Firebaugh City Council
February 18, 2025

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
The City Council/Successor Agency of the City of Firebaugh Vol. No. 25 / 02-18 ______________________________________________________________________ Location of Meeting: Andrew Firebaugh Community Center
1655 13th Street, Firebaugh, CA 93622
Date/Time: February 18, 2025 / 5:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL Mayor Freddy Valdez
Mayor Pro Tem Silvia Renteria
Council Member Brady Jenkins
Council Member Felipe Perez
Council Member Elsa Lopez
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to access the Andrew Firebaugh Community Center to participate at this meeting, please contact the Deputy City Clerk at (559) 659-2043. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the Andrew Firebaugh Community Center.

Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall, in the Deputy City Clerk’s office, during normal business hours.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMENT
Any person or persons wishing to address the City Council on any matter that is not on the agenda may do so at this time. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. Issues raised during Public Comments are informational only and the Council cannot take action at this time. All comments should be directed at the Mayor and not at individual Councilmembers or staff members.

NEW BUSINESS

1. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH APPROVING THE FINAL REPORT OF THE FIREBAUGH COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION STUDY.

Recommended Action: Council receives public comment & approve final report for Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study.

2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH APPROVING THE FINAL

MAP AND A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FRESNO, INC. FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TRACT 6477
Recommended Action: Council receives public comment & approve Resolution No. 25-03 Final Map and a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with Habitat for Humanity Fresno, Inc. for development of Tract 6477.

ADJOURNMENT
Certification of posting the agenda
I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Firebaugh and that I posted this agenda on the bulletin boards at City Hall, February 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. by Pio Martin, Finance Director.

TO: Mayor Freddy Valdez and Council Members
FROM: Benjamin Gallegos, City Manager
DATE: February 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Accept Final Report for Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study RECOMMENDATION:

The council receives public comment & approve final report for Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study.

HISTORY:

The City of Firebaugh has been awarded a $236,532 Sustainable Communities Planning Grant from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), with a required city match of $30,645, bringing the total project budget to $267,177. The city has partner with CivicWell and Opticos Design to conduct a study focused on downtown revitalization. Opticos Design recently provided an update to the City Council on September 16, 2024, detailing the progress of stakeholder meetings and community workshops. These sessions have been crucial in gathering feedback from residents and stakeholders regarding their vision for the future of Firebaugh's downtown. This community input, along with other data and analysis, will inform the final study report prepared by Opticos Design. This report will likely outline key areas for development and strategies for achieving the community's vision.

REFERENCE MATERIALS ATTACHED:

Final Report - Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Palo Cedro, CA
Final Report Community Connectivity January 2025
and Downtown
Revitalization Study
Firebaugh, CA
Final Report
January 2025
Prepared For:

City of Firebaugh
1133 P Street
Firebaugh, CA 93622
and
CivicWell
520 Capitol Mall, Suite 440
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.448.1198 | www.civicwell.org
Prepared By:

Opticos Design, Inc.
2100 Milvia Street; Suite 125
Berkeley, California 94704
510.558.6957 | www.opticosdesign.com
With Consultants:

Blue Zones, LLC
BAE Urban Economics
Michael Moule
Konveio
ii City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025 What’s
Inside?
About the Project 1
Community Vision for Downtown 17
Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 43
Implementation Strategies 75
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study iii iv City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025 Chapter —
In this chapter

1.1 Purpose and Intent 2

1.2 Regional Context and History 4

1.3 Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile 6

1.4 Existing Conditions Summary 8
About the
Project

CHAPTER
1 Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 1 The study will prepare a strategy for
revitalizing the struggling downtown that will
analyze opportunities for infill commercial
and residential development."
City of Firebaugh; statement from the Firebaugh Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study RFP
The Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study will guide the future growth of Firebaugh by identifying key areas to focus development efforts and create a vibrant downtown.

Project Background
While Firebaugh’s population has
increased steadily over the past two
decades, economic activity in its
downtown has declined due to lack
of visibility and poor connections to
Highway 33. The Firebaugh Community
Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization
Study (Study) seeks to develop design
strategies to draw more visitors to the
downtown core and the San Joaquin
river, and identify priority areas for safer
travel by walking, bicycling, and driving.

The Study is funded through a Caltrans
Sustainable Communities Planning Grant
awarded to the City of Firebaugh.

Opticos Design, with help from Michael
Moule, Blue Zones, BAE Urban Economics,
and CivicWell, have facilitated an
extensive community-driven process to
update the design vision for downtown
Firebaugh presented in this document.

This project is built on the foundation of
existing City and County policies and
planning efforts, including the 2007
Central Firebaugh Revitalization Plan. This
Study refines and updates the previous
work to reflect current conditions and
potential opportunities in downtown
Firebaugh. It defines a set of design
principles, identifies key opportunity sites,
and establishes design guidance and
implementation recommendations to
shape future downtown development.

This is a great moment for a plan update,
spurred by recent developer interest
in downtown as well as the recently
completed Downtown Firebaugh MixedUse Study by the City of Firebaugh.

The Study will engage community
members to identify high-priority projects,
develop conceptual designs, and better
position Firebaugh to start implementing
projects either through its capital
improvement program or by applying for
State and Federal grants.

1.1 Purpose and Intent
2 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

1.1 Purpose and Intent Chapter 1 — About the Project
Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown
Revitalization Study
What is the Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study
The Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study seeks to improve the existing bicycle and pedestrian network to better link residents and visitors to key destinations, promote increased walking and bicycling and create a strategy for revitalizing downtown Firebaugh through commercial and residential development opportunities.

While the City’s population has been steadily increasing in the past two decades, economic activity in its downtown has declined as a result of lack of visibility and poor connections to Highway 33 and within the City. The study will identify projects to better connect the downtown to Highway 33 and draw more visitors to the downtown core and the San Joaquin River. The project will also identify priority areas for safer travel by walking, bicycling, and driving.

This study will engage community members to identify high-priority projects, develop conceptual designs, and better position the City to start implementing projects either through its capital improvement program or by applying for State and Federal grant funds.
>>Insert project area map
Timeline
Project Timeline
2007 Central Firebaugh Revitalization Plan
The current study builds on the 2007 study and updates elements of the downtown vision to meet present-day needs and opportunities. This plan has four guiding principles:
• improve primary travel route linkages to central Firebaugh • improve visual and physical access to the San Joaquin river • create a well-defined, centrally located, compact town center • improve north-south mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists 2020 Downtown Firebaugh
Mixed-Use Analysis
The City conducted a focused mixeduse analysis of the downtown core that identified existing uses as well as vacant
parcels that could be potential sites for
infill or redevelopment. The findings of
the 2020 analysis have informed this
current study.

The 2007 plan recommends changes to Highway 33, including sidewalk improvements, bike lanes, gateway features, greening, additional truck parking, and roundabouts on Highway 33 and 13th Street to assist in traffic calming. It also highlights 9th Street and 11th Street as places where the visual access to the San Joaquin river could be improved; and Q Street is also highlighted for improvements.

The 2007 plan proposed a new town plaza and mixed-use center at O Street and 12th Street, as well as additional infill development along O Street. It highlights P Street as a bike-priority street and proposes a trail network to improve north-south mobility.

N Street (SR 33)
O Street
P Street
13th Street
12th Street
11th Street
10th Street
9th Street
8th Street
Poso Canal
Q Street Mills School Study Area
Boundary
N
Aerial Photo of Recommended Sites
San Joaquin River
1 2 3 4
5 7
6 8
Vacant/Undeveloped
Commercial
Public/Quasi-Public
Multi-Family Res.

Single-Family Res.

Mixed-Use
Parking
V
P
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 3 Chapter 1 — About the Project 1.1 Purpose and Intent
Central Firebaugh Revitalization Plan
A Report to the City of Firebaugh
January 3, 2007
Opticos Design, Inc.
1285 Gilman Street
Berkeley, CA 94706
p: 510.558.6957
f: 510.898.0801
w: opticosdesign.com
Local Government Commission
1414 K Street Suite 600
Sacramento, CA 95814
p: 916.448.1198
f: 916.448.8246
w: lgc.org

1.2 Regional Context
and History
Regional Context
Firebaugh is a rural city in California
located on the west side of the San
Joaquin river. The city has a population
of 8,415 and is part of Fresno County.

Surrounded by agricultural land, Firebaugh
is located 43 miles west of Fresno, the
largest city in the region. Nearby cities
are Mendota, 9 miles to the south, Dos
Palos, 15 miles to the north and Madera,
the nearest urban center, is 26 miles to the
east. Firebaugh is connected to the region
by State Routes 33 and 180. Nees Avenue,
which becomes 12th Street once it enters
Firebaugh, connects it to Interstate 5
approximately 15 miles to the west.

The San Joaquin Valley Railroad is an
important regional freight line that runs
parallel to SR 33 and delineates the
western edge of downtown, with no stops
within Firebaugh. The Fresno County
Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) provides
bus service between Firebaugh and
Fresno. Firebaugh also has an airport
which is used to support local agricultural
industries and private aircraft.

Historical Setting
Native American communities were the
first to settle in the Firebaugh area several
thousand years ago. More recent history
can be traced back to 1854, when Andrew
Davidson Firebaugh established a trading
post and started a ferry service on the San
Joaquin River. Named after its founder, the
town grew around the ferry service, which
was a station on the Butterfield Overland
Stage route and carried passengers and
mail from two eastern nodes, Memphis
and St. Louis, to San Francisco. Although
the ferry is no longer in service, it has
played a central role in Firebaugh's history.

Andrew Firebaugh also built a toll road
over Pacheco Pass, and was one of the
founders of “The Academy”, Fresno
county’s first secondary school.

Firebaugh was incorporated as a city in
1914. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
from that year show Firebaugh bounded
by 10th Street to the north, 12th Street
to the south, Q Street to the east, and N
Street (now SR 33) to the west. The city
gradually expanded north and south and
this pattern continues till today.
1885. The
Firebaugh Jail is
complete.
1854. Andrew
Firebaugh establishes
the Firebaugh Ferry.
1872. Firebaugh founded
Fresno County's first
secondary school.
1880's. Firebaugh area
becomes part of the Miller
and Lux Company holdings.
1914. Firebaugh is
incorporated as a city.
1875. Andrew
Firebaugh dies.

Figure 1.1 Major milestones in Firebaugh's development
1857. Andrew Firebaugh
builds toll road over
Pacheco Pass.

Pre 1800s. Native
Eyulahua, Copcha
tribes in the area.
4 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

1.2 Regional Context and History Chapter 1 — About the Project Firebaugh
Mendota
Kerman
Hanford
Fresno
Madera
Chowchilla
Dos Palos
Los Banos
Volta
Figure 1.2 Regional and planning context
Amtrak line
Amtrak stations
Freight rail
City boundaries
City of Firebaugh
Distance radii
Highway
Population: 8,415
Area: 3.57 sq miles

NEIGHBORING
CITIES
Dos Palos
Population: 5,798
Area: 1.35 sq miles
Newman
Population: 12,351
Area: 2.06 sq miles
Mendota
Population: 12,595
Area: 3.39 sq miles
Chowchilla
Population: 19,039
Area: 11.13 sq miles
Los Banos
Population: 45,532
Area: 10.12 sq miles
Hanford
Population: 53,967
Area: 17.40 sq miles
Madera
Population: 66,224
Area: 16.48 sq miles
Merced
Population: 86,333
Area: 23.25 sq miles
Fresno
Population: 545,567
Area: 116 sq miles

CLIMATE
Mediterranean
Average temperatures
(degrees Fahrenheit):

Summer: 86 - 105
Winter: 35 - 50
Average rainfall:

7.23 inches annually
Figure 1.3 Historical buildings in Firebaugh.

Firebaugh library and court
Image source: David Jordan, Wikipedia
Firebaugh jail
Image source: Mapio.net
Historic marker in Andrew Firebaugh Park
Image source: hmdb.org
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 5 Chapter 1 — About the Project 1.2 Regional Context and History

1.3 Demographic and
Socio-Economic Profile
Population
Firebaugh is a small city, with an
estimated population of 8,415 residents.

Between 2000 and 2022, its average
annual population growth rate was 2.1
percent, according to the Housing Needs
Assessment (HNA) conducted for Fresno
County. Firebaugh’s population is younger,
with 28.5 as the median age (compared
to 33 for Fresno County). 60 percent of
the city's population is under the age of

35. Firebaugh is much less racially diverse
than the County, with 93 percent of the
population in 2023 identifying as Hispanic.

Household and Housing
Characteristics
Firebaugh has a high share of family
households at roughly 88 percent of all
households according to ESRI data. The
average household size of 3.9 persons is
higher than that for Fresno County (3.09).

Married couple households make up
over half of all households, and a third of
married households have children under
the age of 18. According to the Fresno
County Housing Needs Assessment,
extremely low-income residents make
up 14 percent of the total households
in Firebaugh, of which 88 percent are
renters. Firebaugh also has a higher rate of
household overcrowding than other cities
in Fresno County.
73 percent of all housing units in
Firebaugh are single-family homes and
multi-family buildings with five or more
units comprise less than nine percent of
the City’s housing units, compared to 15
percent countywide. Homeownership
rates are also lower at 51 percent (2023)
compared to 56 percent in Fresno County.

Due to the limited number of multi-family
rental units in Firebaugh, the City has a
large number of renter households living
in single-family units. The high prevalence
of large households, coupled with the high
rate of renter households in single-family
units, indicates the need for more rental
housing options for families at attainable
price points.

Household Incomes
Firebaugh households have much lower
incomes than the county as a whole.

The 2023 median household income in
Firebaugh was $42,610, compared to
$65,270 in Fresno County. 57 percent of
residents have annual incomes below
$50,000 compared to 38 percent
countywide.

Employment
Firebaugh is not a significant employment
node, with roughly 2,140 jobs. Firebaugh
has lower per capita taxable retail sales
at $3,951 (2023) compared to $14,886
countywide. Agriculture, education, and
manufacturing account for two-thirds of
the city’s jobs. Major downtown employers
are the School District, West Hills
Community College, the City of Firebaugh,
and local retail and restaurants.

Due to lower incomes, Firebaugh residents
generally spend lesser on retail goods and
services than national averages. In 2023,
the average household spent $16,000
annually on retail goods and services, with
45 percent of the total spending on food.
6 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

1.3 Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile Chapter 1 — About the Project 2,365 total housing units
73% of units are single-family
51% of homes are owner-occupied
52% of total units are rental*
$737 median rent*

8.1% vacancy rate*
400 units needed to house farmworkers*
* from Housing Needs Assessment, Fresno
County Housing Element

40.8% of jobs in Agriculture, Forestry,
Fishing and Hunting, and Mining

14.5% of jobs in Manufacturing

13.3% of jobs in Educational Services,
Healthcare, and Social Assistance
8,415 residents in Firebaugh
97% population from minority groups
$42,612 median household income
14% of households are considered extremely
low income*

28.5 years median age

3.9 average household size

31.2% of population under age 18
* from Housing Needs Assessment, Fresno
County Housing Element
Main auto access routes via State
Highways 33 and 180
26 minutes mean commute time
Nees Avenue an important connection
to Interstate 5
San Joaquin Valley Railroad provides
freight transportation services
Toma-Tek, Inc.
60-650 employees (seasonal)
(Tri) Westside Produce
150-600 employees (seasonal)
Cartel Transport
30-200 employees (seasonal)
Major Employers in Firebaugh (2013)
Firebaugh Las Deltas USD
305 employees
Paramount Farming Co Ranch
70 employees
City of Firebaugh
45 employees
Thomason Tractor Co.
40 employees
Red Rooster Inc.
20-150 employees
Davis, N.F Drier & Elevator
20-55 employees
Summary of Downtown’s Socio-Economic Conditions
Housing and Transportation Costs
Image source: Center for Neighborhood Technology [2023] Housing
Transportation
Remaining
Income
Household Income
Population Pyramid
Image source: American Community Survey [2022]
Data source: American Community Survey [2022], Fresno Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element [2023-2031] Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 7 Chapter 1 — About the Project 1.3 Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile Housing
Transportation
Remaining
Income
Household Income

1.4 Existing Conditions
Summary
This section includes a series of maps illustrating existing conditions in downtown Firebaugh. For additional maps and more detail, refer to the 2024 Existing Conditions Analysis report as part of this Study.

Downtown Today
Downtown Firebaugh has a gridded street
pattern that runs parallel to the railroad
and State Route 33 in a north-west to
south-east direction. Blocks in downtown
are typically 400 feet long and 320 feet
wide. Its connected street grid and small
blocks make downtown pedestrian-scaled
and walkable.

O Street is the historic main street. Today,
it has primarily single-story commercial
buildings. P Street has a mix of residential
and civic buildings. State Route 33 acts as
the western border of the downtown area.

Many parcels in downtown are vacant and
offer redevelopment potential. At the same
time, there has been recent development
interest in downtown. Figure 1.7 on the
next page shows development projects
that have been recently completed, or are
in the development pipeline.

Arriving in Downtown
A key issue affecting downtown that was
identified is the lack of visibility. Figure 1.6
shows the primary circulation routes and
main access points to downtown, and
photos describing existing conditions. The
arrival experience as of now is not very
memorable. Clear wayfinding and signage,
as well as traffic calming measures will
help in improving access to downtown.

Figure 1.4 Conditions in
downtown Firebaugh
Downtown has a variety of
building types as shown in the
photos to the right.
8 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

1.4 Existing Conditions Summary Chapter 1 — About the Project Figure 1.5 Downtown arrival experience
Highway 33/ N Street approaching downtown (10th Street) from north Turning into downtown from N Street at 9th Street
Arriving in downtown from 13th Street
O and 13th Streets
P and 13th Streets
Turning into downtown from N Street at 13th Street
1 2
1 6 3
5 4
2 3
4 5
6 Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 9 Chapter 1 — About the Project 1.4 Existing Conditions Summary The graphic below illustrates key community destinations in downtown, projects that have been recently completed, and pipeline projects.

Existing Community
Destinations
Recent + Pipeline
Projects
Schools
Parks and recreation
Figure 1.6 Project area existing conditions and pipeline projects Civic uses
Churches
Recently completed projects
Pipeline projects
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 9
10 8
Fresno EOC Head Start
Firebaugh
Hazel M. Bailey Primary
School
Firebaugh Middle School
Arthur E. Mills
Intermediate School
Firebaugh City Park
Riverside Park
Firebaugh Rodeo Grounds
Riverside Walking Trail
Maldonado Park/
Firebaugh Farmers Market
Firebaugh City Hall
Valley Health Team
Medical Clinic
West Hills College Campus
Redevelopment
Rio Villas Senior Housing
(30 units)
Fire Station
Element 7
MacDonald's
La Joya Commons (96
multi-family units)
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 0 Street
11th Street
12th Street
W. Nees Ave.

P Street
9th Street
Q Street
San Joaquin Valley Railroad
8th Street
Main Street
13th Street
4 10
HWY 33
Downtown Today
8 9
10th Street
11 12
15 17
16 10 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

1.4 Existing Conditions Summary Chapter 1 — About the Project Q Street
San Joaquin River
14th Street
15th Street
16th Street
Saipan Avenue
1 2
3 to Fresno
Intersection improvements
Bus stops
Grocery stores
Local businesses
5 6
7 13
14 Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 11 Chapter 1 — About the Project 1.4 Existing Conditions Summary Street Hierarchy and
Transit
The downtown grid
consists of 400 feet by
300 feet blocks and
streets that are typically
80 feet wide. Alleys are
prevalent in downtown,
and are 20 feet wide.

N Street (Highway 33)
runs north-south and is
classified as an arterial. It
functions as the primary
connection to Fresno and
other regional destinations.

It has two travel lanes and
a parking lane in each
direction.

O, P, 12th and 13th Streets
are classified as collector
streets but traffic volumes
are considerably higher on
12th and 13th compared
to O and P. 12th Street
(also called Nees Avenue)
connects to Interstate 5
about 18 miles west of
Firebaugh. To the east,
13th street (Avenue 7½)
connects to Madera
County. Transit service in
Firebaugh is limited.

Arthur E Mills
Intermediate
School
Firebaugh
Middle
School
Riverside Park
San Joaquin River
Firebaugh
City Park
Firebaugh
City Hall 10th Street
11th Street
N Street
Q Street
R Street
Saipan Ave
M Steet
O Street
P Street
Valle De Paz Ave Leyva Ave
Q Street
R Street
T Street
Mendoza Dr
Mendoza Dr
Allardt Dr Allardt Dr
Thomas Conboy Ave
Zozaya Street
Logue St
P Street
Q Street
13th Street
Ave 7 1/2
14th Street
15th Street
16th Street
8th Street
7th Street
Cline Street
Yip Street
Clyde Fannon Dr
12th Street
W Nees Ave
Maldonado Park
9th Street
Coalinga
College
Figure 1.8 Infrastructure
improvements needed
The photo on the right shows
the shared-use path along San
Joaquin river which could use
resurfacing. The photo on the
far right shows sidewalk gaps
on 10th Street.

Figure 1.7 Street hierarchy in downtown Firebaugh
Study Area boundary
Highway/Arterial
Major streets
Minor streets
Alleys
Entry points
Public transit
Transit stops
Railroad
N
Scale 1" = 1,200'
0 300 600 1,200
12 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

1.4 Existing Conditions Summary Chapter 1 — About the Project P
P
P
P
P P
P
P
P
P
P P
Existing PedestrianBicycle Facilities and
Connectivity Gaps
The 2030 General Plan
seeks to improve multimodal transportation
in Firebaugh, to create
a more walkable
environment. There
have been recent trafficcalming improvements
in downtown, such as
the curb extensions and
angled parking along
O Street, but there are
existing gaps in the
sidewalk network in some
parts of downtown.

As part of the Fresno
County Regional Active
Transportation Plan
(FCRATP), there are plans
to improve 12th Street
(Nees Ave.), 13th Street,
and Highway 33 (N Street).

Bike infrastructure is also
planned for N, O, P, 12th
and 13th Streets.

According to the FCRATP,
there were six collisions
reported between 2016
and 2021 that involved
pedestrians and bicyclists,
three of which occurred in
the main downtown.

Arthur E Mills
Intermediate
School
Firebaugh
Middle
School
Riverside Park
San Joaquin River
Firebaugh
City Park
Firebaugh
City Hall 10th Street
11th Street
N Street
Q Street
R Street
Saipan Ave
M Steet
O Street
P Street
Valle De Paz Ave
Leyva Ave
Q Street
R Street
T Street
Mendoza Dr
Mendoza Dr
Allardt Dr Allardt Dr
Thomas Conboy Ave
Zozaya Street
Logue St
P Street
Q Street
13th Street
Ave 7 1/2
14th Street
15th Street
16th Street
8th Street
7th Street
Cline Street
Yip Street
Clyde Fannon Dr
12th Street
W Nees Ave
Maldonado Park
9th Street
Coalinga
College
Study Area boundary
Shared-use path
Sidewalk gap (missing)
P
Figure 1.9 Existing pedestrian and bicycling facilities Sidewalk on only side of street
Existing bicycle parking
Pedestrian injury (fatal/ major/ minor)
Figure 1.10 Highway 33
conditions
Highway 33 is a wide street and
has heavy truck traffic. With a
narrow sidewalk on only one side,
the environment is not pleasant
for pedestrians. Improvements
could have a significant impact
on the downtown arrival
experience.

N
Scale 1" = 1,200'
0 300 600 1,200
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 13 Chapter 1 — About the Project 1.4 Existing Conditions Summary Arthur E Mills
Intermediate
School
Firebaugh
Middle
School
Riverside Park
San Joaquin River
Firebaugh
City Park
Firebaugh
City Hall 10th Street
11th Street
N Street
Q Street
R Street
Saipan Ave
M Steet
O Street
P Street
Valle De Paz Ave
Leyva Ave
Q Street
R Street
T Street
Mendoza Dr
Mendoza Dr
Allardt Dr Allardt Dr
Thomas Conboy Ave
Zozaya Street
Logue St
P Street
Q Street
13th Street
Ave 7 1/2
14th Street
15th Street
16th Street
8th Street
7th Street
Cline Street
Yip Street
Clyde Fannon Dr
12th Street
W Nees Ave
Maldonado Park
9th Street
Coalinga
College
Downtown Built Form
and Vacant Parcels
The Built Form map
documents information
about the scale and form
of buildings in downtown,
so that new development
can complement and
enhance the existing built
character.

O Street contains smallfootprint commercial
buildings set very close
to the sidewalk. The built
form on P street is of a
similar scale but contains
more small-footprint
residential structures. It
also has civic uses such
as schools, which have
larger lot sizes and bigger
buildings. Along Highway
33, larger industrial and
commercial buildings are
seen on larger lots.

There are many vacant lots
along O Street, especially
between 10th Street
and 13th Street. These
provide opportunities for
new infill development
that could consist of
housing, commercial, and
mixed-use.

Figure 1.11 Built form and vacant parcels in downtown
Figure 1.12 Downtown
Firebaugh's built form
varies depending on the street.

O and P Streets have smallfootprint commercial buildings (right). A new residential building
in downtown (far right) marks the
entry from the east.

Study Area boundary
Building footprints
Vacant lots
N
Scale 1" = 1,200'
0 300 600 1,200
14 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

1.4 Existing Conditions Summary Chapter 1 — About the Project Community
Amenities
Community amenities
shape a place’s character.

Firebaugh City Park,
Riverside Park, and
Maldonado Park are
well-used community
amenities. The Riverside
Walking Trail is also an
important community
amenity.

There are also many
civic uses downtown.

Coalinga College and
Arthur E. Mills Intermediate
School are key downtown
destinations. Other
schools are located southeast of downtown.

Many small, local
businesses are located
along O Street, mostly
north of 13th Street.

These include drugstores,
groceries and local
restaurants.

Arthur E Mills
Intermediate
School
Firebaugh
Middle
School
Riverside Park
San Joaquin River
Firebaugh
City Park
Firebaugh
City Hall 10th Street
11th Street
N Street
Q Street
R Street
Saipan Ave
M Steet
O Street
P Street
Valle De Paz Ave
Leyva Ave
Q Street
R Street
T Street
Mendoza Dr
Mendoza Dr
Allardt Dr Allardt Dr
Thomas Conboy Ave
Zozaya Street
Logue St
P Street
Q Street
13th Street
Ave 7 1/2
14th Street
15th Street
16th Street
8th Street
7th Street
Cline Street
Yip Street
Clyde Fannon Dr
12th Street
W Nees Ave
Maldonado Park
9th Street
Coalinga
College
Figure 1.13 Civic uses and community destinations
Figure 1.14 Popular community
destinations
include Arthur E. Mills Intermediate
School (far left) and Coalinga
College (left).

Study Area boundary
School
Civic uses
Green space
Community destinations
N
Scale 1" = 1,200'
0 300 600 1,200
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 15 Chapter 1 — About the Project 1.4 Existing Conditions Summary 16 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025 In this chapter

2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement 18

2.2 Issues and Opportunities 30

2.3 Design Principles 32
Community
Vision for
Downtown

CHAPTER
2 Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 17 Robust community engagement was an integral part of this Study and informed the design process at all stages.

Participatory Process
The importance of community
participation stems from the fact that
the legitimacy and longevity of any
planning effort requires community input
and ownership. Not only do community
members have a deep understanding
of a place that adds value to the design
process, but they also have an intimate
stake in the future of their community,
which the Study’s recommendations will
directly impact.

The consultant team sought this feedback
during the project through a wide range
of events, including a Community Design
Charrette with stakeholder meetings, a
community workshop, and a walking audit.

The team also used existing community
events to conduct pop-ups to help get
feedback on proposed recommendations.

The events were attended by local
stakeholders, and the feedback they
provided played a critical role in shaping
the Study’s vision and goals.

Project Initiation and Outreach
Strategy
The consultant team worked with City
staff to develop an outreach strategy
that included a range of stakeholders
and community groups. Efforts were
made to reach out and engage various
community leaders and groups during
the project. In addition to individual
community members, representatives
from the following groups participated in
this project:
■ Firebaugh City Council
■ Firebaugh City Planning Commission
■ Firebaugh City Departments

2.1 Community Outreach
and Engagement
City Council
Study
Session
February 2025
Advisory Group
and City Council
Meetings
September 2024
Multi-Day
Design
Charrette
May 2024
Advisory
Group
Meeting
April 2024
Advisory
Group
Meeting
December 2024
Timeline of Public Engagement
Regular project updates on the project website (www.firebaugh.konveio.com) Cantaloupe
Roundup
Pop-Up
18 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown ■ Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified School
District
■ West Hills College Coalinga Firebaugh
Center
■ Rotary Club of Firebaugh
■ Local business
■ Local churches
■ Local apartment complexes
■ Fresno Council of Governments
■ Fresno County Dept of Public Health
■ Fresno Housing Authority
■ Fresno County Rural Transit Agency
■ Caltrans, District 6
According to the U.S. Census Bureau
American Community Survey 5-Year
Estimates from 2018-2022, demographics
for the Study Area’s corresponding
census tract were identified as 97 percent
primarily Hispanic or Latino, and 79
percent spoke a language other than
English at home. So, the project team
and City made efforts to provide Spanish
language translation and interpretation
services throughout the project.

Several outreach methods were used
to connect with and engage residents,
businesses, and other stakeholders about
20 Participants in the
Walk Audit
19 Participants in
the Community
Workshop
95+
Hours of public
input during the
Design Charrette
Figure 2.1 Walk audit at the
Community Design Charrette
(Above) The consultant team
and staff led a Walk Audit that
began at the Coalinga College
Firebaugh Center.

Figure 2.2 Table map exercise
at the May workshop
(Below) Community members
write and draw ideas on table
maps.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 19 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement the project and upcoming events and to
maximize engagement.
• Flyers to publicize outreach events were
produced in English and Spanish for
community-wide distribution. They were
distributed at city locations such as the
Senior Center and also directly to local
businesses in downtown Firebaugh
before the Charrette.
• Project Advisory Group and other
community members were asked to
distribute flyers through other channels.
• Flyers were also sent to the FirebaughLas Deltas Unified School District for distribution through their parent
announcement system and directly to
parents through the Migrant Education
Program.
• Flyers were also sent to the West Hills
College Coalinga Firebaugh Center
which made them available to students,
staff and teachers.
• The City used social media to
announce events and encourage public
participation.
• Media releases were sent out
announcing the Charrette event.

A project website (firebaugh.konveio.com)
was created and updated throughout
the planning process with up-to-date
project information, documents, and
announcements about recent and
upcoming events. Draft recommendations
were posted online in an interactive format
soon after the May Charrette and revisions
were posted again in the fall of 2024 to
collect public input.

Project Advisory Group
A key component of the community
engagement process was the Project
Advisory Group (PAG), a the lead group
of residents and stakeholders assembled
by the City and consultant team to guide
the project on the best ways to engage
the public and discuss the plan concepts.

Members of the PAG represented local
business interests, schools, and the City.

Participating organizations included:
■ City of Firebaugh City Council
■ City of Firebaugh Staff
■ Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified School
District
■ Rotary Club of Firebaugh
■ RE/MAX Realtor
The PAG met multiple times during the
project to share information, collaborate,
Figure 2.3 Flyers for the
project workshops
(Below left) Flyers to publicize
outreach events were produced
in both English and Spanish for
community-wide distribution.

Figure 2.4 Project website
(Below right) Screenshot
from the project website to
communicate project updates
and informational materials with
the community (www.firebaugh.
konveio.com).
20 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown and guide community engagement
and the development of the Study
recommendations and guidelines. Key
meeting dates included:
■ Meeting #1: April 10, 2024
■ Meeting #2: September 16, 2024
■ Meeting #3: December 6, 2024
During the first meeting, they provided
additional background information about
the project area, such as its existing
conditions and history, other plans and
projects affecting the project area, issues
that the Study should address, and
specific locations that the team should
focus on studying. The PAG also helped
guide the engagement process with
input on outlets for promotion through
the school district and other groups, as
well as guidance on event planning and
structure to help engage the community
of Firebaugh.

After the Charrette, at the September
16 meeting, the PAG also provided their
input and guidance on developing project
recommendations for the Study. They
reviewed the refined design concepts and
provided feedback on the Study updates.

The team received good feedback from
the advisory group who offered valuable
insight on topics such as local traffic
patterns, the character of downtown, and
investment opportunities. On the same
day, the consultant team provided a brief
update on the work to date to the City
Council.

The final PAG meeting in December 2024
was focused on a review of the final Study
recommendations.

Community Design Charrette
From May 21-23, 2024, the consultant
team, in coordination with the City of
Firebaugh, held a multi-day Community
Design Charrette to engage the public
and other partners in developing
needed transportation infrastructure
improvements, ways to encourage
more people to walk, bike, and roll in the
community, and for ways of improving
downtown Firebaugh by adding more
affordable housing options and to support
more business opportunities. This was
done through a range of interactive events
held over the three days.

Stakeholder Meetings
During the Charrette, two stakeholder
meetings were held on May 21. The
first stakeholder meeting focused
on transportation and safety issues.

Attendees included City staff and the
Figure 2.5 City Council
members receive an update of
the Study from the consultant
team.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 21 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement City Engineer, and representatives from
the Fresno Council of Governments, the
Fresno County Department of Public
Health, the Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified
School District, Fresno County Rural Transit
Agency, and the California Department
of Transportation. The main goals of this
meeting were to identify roadway issues
and safety concerns. There was some
discussion of specific safety concerns
regarding the highway and schools.

Another goal of this meeting was to
identify potential bikeways and trails.

The second stakeholder meeting was
on the topic of economic development
and housing. The stakeholders in this
session included City representatives, a
local business owner, and representatives
from Fresno County Economic
Development Corporation, Fresno
Economic Opportunities Commission,
Fresno Housing Authority, and Fresno
County Public Works. One of the main
goals of this meeting was to identify infill
development opportunities. There were
also discussions about what land uses
would be appropriate for Firebaugh and
common permitting and zoning issues.

During this meeting, there were several
topics of discussion:
• There are challenges for student
transportation, especially during peak
harvest season
• The intersection of 13th Street and
Highway 33 is highlighted as a major
concern due to heavy truck traffic
• Enforcement and driver education are
crucial to deal with speeding in the City
• There is a desire to expand the existing
bike trail along the river to connect all
parts of the city
• It is important to connect schools, parks,
and other key locations through the
trail system, so a bicycle boulevard on
P Street is being considered due to its
lower traffic volume and connectivity
benefits
• There are safety concerns near the high
school
• While the FCRTA subsidizes fares for
seniors, disabled individuals, and
Figure 2.6 Stakeholder
meeting at the Community
Design Charrette
Dan Burden of Blue Zones leads
a stakeholder meeting at the
Community Design Charrette.
22 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown veterans, and operates a paratransit
vehicle in Firebaugh, there are
challenges with the Firebaugh to Fresno
route. Still exploring micro-transit rideshare programs.

Participants highlighted the following
during this meeting:
• Firebaugh is a significant agricultural
center, particularly for tomatoes and
other crops, and a place of historical
significance that can be leveraged
for tourism. The Basque history of
Firebaugh could be explored as a unique
selling point, similar to Kingsburg’s
Swedish heritage.
• Firebaugh has the potential to support
more recreational activities. For instance,
developing hiking trails on the levees
could attract tourists and locals.
• Anchor activities to the San Joaquin
River and develop a vibrant downtown
center with small businesses.
• Highlight events such as the Firebaugh
Farmer’s Market and Cantaloupe Festival
to attract more visitors.
• Firebaugh Center for West Hills College
has brought significant investment in
bike and pedestrian improvements
when it was built, and could be a model
for future initiatives.
• The recent opening of a new medical
clinic in Firebaugh is attracting people
from Mendota.
• Share examples of other towns that have
revitalized their main streets with public
art and unique businesses, and that
successfully revitalized their downtown
areas with community-focused
initiatives.
• There is still uncertainty about what
specific business or attraction would
revitalize Firebaugh.
• Remember that the high school is still a
central focus for the town.
• There is a need for more multi-family
and affordable housing in Firebaugh to
enhance downtown development.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 23 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Community Workshop
On the evening of May 21, the consultant
team held a community workshop at
the Andrew Firebaugh Community
Center. This meeting consisted of several
community exercises and a formal
presentation by the consultant team.

Linguistica Interpreting and Translation
were available at the workshop to provide
Spanish-language interpretation for
attendees.

The first exercise was a value and visioning
exercise where participants were asked
to 1) write down their vision of what
Firebaugh would look like in 20 years and
2) Five things they valued about Firebaugh.

Participants were offered the chance to
read out their visions and then to place
the sticky notes with their five values on
the wall, where the consultant team sorted
them into groups.

After the first exercise, the design team
consisting of Blue Zones, CivicWell, and
Opticos Design led a presentation on the
various tools available for transportation
and community connectivity
improvements, as well as land use
changes and placemaking. This was done
by highlighting visual examples from
communities similar to Firebaugh.

After the presentation, the team asked
participants to break out into groups
gathered around large aerial maps to share
ideas about improving the downtown.

Community members discussed and
noted elements of the downtown that
are working well as well as areas needing
improvement. Each group then had
the chance to share their ideas with the
broader group.

Key ideas from the Workshop mapping
exercise are summarized below:
• Stop light or maybe a roundabout at
Clyde Fannon Drive and Highway 33
• New sidewalks and lighting on Highway
33, beautification of Highway 33 with
trees or bushes
• Slowing down cars
Figure 2.7 Mapping exercise
at the Community Workshop
A visioning exercise collected
community thoughts on what
they envisioned for Firebaugh in
20 years.
24 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown • Making the intersection at 13th Street
and Highway 33 more walkable
• Roundabout at 11th and O Streets, and
Highway 33 and 12th Street
• Beautification of the alleys in downtown
• Roundabout at 13th Street and P Street
which is congested with truck and
school traffic
• Intersection improvements on O Street
at 12th and 13th
• More fencing and landscaping at the
mobile home park
• More curb extensions in downtown
• Installing more benches to support
businesses
• Façade improvements
• Support for small-lot mixed-use infill
• Making Highway 33 safer between 15th
Steet and Saipan Avenue
• Intersection improvements at Saipan
Avenue
Figure 2.8 Visioning exercises
at the Community Workshop
(Clockwise from top left)
The consultant team worked
with the community to
document vision ideas;
Table exercises helped bring out
ideas and identify areas where
interventions were needed;
Break-out discussion with
community members at the
Community Workshop.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 25 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Downtown Walk Audit
On the morning of May 22, the consultant
team led a walk audit with community
members exploring conditions in the
downtown area, Highway 33, 13th Street,
and the river parkway. The purpose of the
walk audit was to identify opportunities
and constraints related to the public
realm in the project area. The group that
attended consisted of County and City
staff, community members, as well as
members representing Caltrans and the
Planning Commission. Overall, twenty
people participated in this event. Spanish
speaking staff from the consultant team
and City were available at the walk audit.

Pop-Up at the Firebaugh Farmers
Market
On May 23, the last day of the Community
Design Charrette, the consultant team
attended a pop-up at the weekly Farmers
Market held in Maldonado Park. The
pop-up was a three-hour event during
which the team pinned up design concept
sketches and received feedback from
community members. All the concepts
presented were created on-site as part of
the Charrette process and informed by
the community’s desires and feedback.

Community members could vote on what
elements they wanted to see downtown.

Spanish speaking staff from the project
team and City were available at the
pop-up.

Second Advisory Group Meeting
and City Council Presentation
On September 16, the consultant team
held the second meeting with the PAG to
review the refined design concepts and
get feedback on the Study updates. The
team received good feedback from the
advisory group provided valuable insight
on topics such as local traffic patterns, the
character of downtown, and investment
opportunities. On the same day, the
Figure 2.9 Walk Audit of
Highway 33
(Left, top and bottom)
The consultant team led
members of the community and
Caltrans on a walk audit of the
project area. Walking the site
together helped the group get a
first-hand experience of existing
safety issues and infrastructure
gaps.

Figure 2.10 Pop-Up at
Farmers Market
(Right) The consultant team
describes the design concepts
to residents at the Farmers
Market pop-up event.
26 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown consultant team presented a brief project
update to the City Council.

Pop-Up at the Cantaloupe RoundUp Festival
On September 26, the consultant
team held another pop-up event at the
Cantaloupe Round-Up Festival, a four-day
event that attracts many people from
Firebaugh and neighboring communities.

Held at Dunkle Park in Firebaugh, the team
and City, with input from the PAG, decided
to use this event instead of a formal
workshop to solicit community input
on the design updates. The consultant
team used posters to communicate
recommendations focusing on downtown
accessibility and visibility, streetscape and
roadway improvements, and the design
vision for downtown.

The consultant team operated the table
with the posters to answer questions for
three hours, and the posters were left up
for the remainder of the festival to get
community feedback. Spanish speaking
staff from the City were available at the
pop-up.

Feedback on the proposed
recommendations were generally
positive from the community members
who stopped by the pop-up. The boards
were also posted on the project website,
providing an alternative method for the
community to provide comments.

Figure 2.11 Pop-Ups at the
Farmers Market (left) and
the Cantaloupe Round-Up
(right) provided opportunities
for the consultant team to
discuss preliminary design
concepts at the Farmer’s
Market pop-up event during
the Community Design
Charrette in May 2024, as well
as provide design updates
at the Cantaloupe Round-Up
pop-up in September 2024.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 27 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Community Priorities:

What We Heard
Connectivity
Improvements:
• Shared-use paths
and bike lanes on
downtown streets
• Bike parking
• Curb extensions
• Roundabouts
Note: design must
accommodate trucks
Building Types:
• Mixed-use buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Live-work units
• Row House
• Cottage Court
• Courtyard building
• Multiplex
• Duplex
Public Realm +
Activation:
• Public open spaces
such as a pocket
park, splash pad,
community garden
• Riverfront trail and
improved access
• Street furniture such
as benches, lighting,
shade awnings, trees
• Outdoor dining,
flexible use of
downtown streets for
events, etc.
• Near-term
improvements
such as reclaiming
underutilized parking
areas
• Murals, gateways,
beautification
Figure 2.14 Design Charrette
dot exercise
(Above) The dot exercise at the
pop-up at the farmers market
allowed residents to inidicate
the downtown improvements
they would like to see in
Firebaugh.

Figure 2.15 Community
values from public workshop
(Right, above) At the workshop,
participants were asked to
describe what they value
about Firebaugh. A word
cloud summarized the words
that were used most by the
participants.

Figure 2.16 Walk Audit along
the riverside trail
(Right, below) Walking along the
riverside trail with community
members during the downtown
Firebaugh walk audit.
28 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown I would like to see Firebaugh increase
affordable housing, more businesses
and activities that will draw people to
our parks and other events."
Community Member
Community Workshop
I would like Firebaugh to look like
a community that is welcoming,
beautiful, and inviting, well kept with
nice stores and parks.”
Community Member
Community Workshop
In 20 years, I see
Firebaugh will hopefully
a bigger population
and more businesses.

I hope to see this
town with more town
events, jaripeos, to
help everyone come
together and be united."
Community Member
Community Workshop
“Still a small town feel. A
dependable and clean
water system. A beautiful
downtown.

Community Member
Community Workshop
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 29 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.1 Community Outreach and Engagement

2.2 Issues and
Opportunities
As a result of the community outreach and
the analysis of existing conditions and real
estate market conditions, the following
issues and opportunities were identified.

Issues
Four key issues reflect existing conditions that need
to be improved in order for downtown to grow in a
manner aligned with the community’s vision.

Opportunities
Downtown FiIrebaugh has attributes that provide
a solid foundation to develop a memorable place.

Several development projects have been recently
completed and there are ongoing improvements
to Highway 33. Downtown Firebaugh also has a few
development projects in the pipeline. This section
identifies key opportunities that can help shape the
future of downtown.
1 Lack of a visible town
center
Downtown Firebaugh and
other community amenities,
such as the San Joaquin River,
lack definition and visual
connection to regional travel
routes. This lack of visual
connection leaves visitors
unaware of downtown.

Downtown Firebaugh lacks
multi-modal infrastructure such
as bike lanes that could allow
residents to move through
downtown safely.

Issue
Issue
3 Inadequate multi-modal
access and connectivity
30 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.2 Issues and Opportunities Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2 Lack of downtown
investment
4 Minimal housing
opportunities downtown
Downtown Firebaugh does
not have many housing
opportunities. Providing
housing in downtown could
help support local businesses
by putting residents close to
these services.

Over the past decades, the
downtown has experienced
economic disinvestment
resulting in vacant lots and
empty storefronts.

Issue
1 Vacant parcels in downtown
provide an opportunity for new
development in downtown.

Opportunity
2 The Riverside Walking Trail
provides an opportunity to
strengthen the connection
between downtown and the San
Joaquin River.

Opportunity
3 New projects in the downtown
area, such as the Firebaugh
Center project, are helping
to strengthen the identity of
Firebaugh.

Opportunity
Issue
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 31 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.2 Issues and Opportunities Principle
1 Improve the
visibility of
downtown
and the arrival
experience

2.3 Design Principles
The four Design Principles developed
for downtown Firebaugh reflect the
community’s vision and are intended to
generate a pedestrian-oriented, multimodal, and mixed-use downtown with an identity that is uniquely Firebaugh.

Design Principles
The Design Principles recognize existing conditions
and address key issues and development
opportunities identified in Chapter One: Project
Background. They have emerged as a direct result
of community engagement.

Expected Outcomes and Recommended
Projects
In the following pages, each design principle is
described, including a section each on “Expected
Outcomes” and “Recommended Projects”. The
intent behind this is to provide a physical framework
to help translate the stated principles into the
desired built outcome.

Focus
mixed
develo
the do
core
32 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.3 Design Principles Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown Principle
2 Principle
4 s new
d-use infill
opment in
owntown
Create new
open spaces in
downtown and
reinforce access
to San Joaquin
River
Principle
3 Improve
multi-modal
connectivity
citywide and
strengthen
pedestrianbike access to
downtown
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 33 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.3 Design Principles Improving the arrival experience through a coherent system of wayfinding elements could bring Firebaugh more visibility and strengthen its sense of place.

Thousands of travelers pass by Firebaugh
every day on Nees Avenue/Avenue 7
1/2 and Highway 33. For many more
who live and work in this area, these
streets are the primary means of access
to essential services and businesses.

Physical improvements along these
streets represent a critical opportunity
for projecting a positive and welcoming
image of Firebaugh.

The Study identifies wayfinding and
gateway projects to improve downtown
visibility.

Recommendations
The downtown arrival experience can
be improved through signage and
wayfinding strategies. There needs to be
more signage to let visitors know they
are approaching Firebaugh on Highway

33. Adding welcome signage before
entering Firebaugh could notify and
direct visitors downtown. A perfect place
for new signage would be on W. Nees
Avenue before entering Firebaugh, and at
the intersections of Morris Kyle Drive and
Highway 33, and Clyde Fannon Drive and
Highway 33.

Slowing down traffic on Highway 33
before entering downtown Firebaugh
could also improve the arrival experience
and signal to drivers that they are
approaching a place. Drivers are more
likely to stop at local businesses if traffic
speeds are slower. This Study proposes
that the section of Highway 33 between
7th Street and Saipan Avenue could be
improved by reducing the number of travel
lanes and adding a landscaped median,
trees, and signage. This plan also proposes
roundabouts at Clyde Fannon Drive and
Morris Kyle Drive to slow down traffic.

This Study also recommends gateway
features and signage to frame entrances
to downtown at critical intersections. A
perfect opportunity for a gateway feature
is the intersection at 12th and O Streets.

Visitors could see the gateway as they
enter Firebaugh on 13th Street, which
would be favorable for local businesses
located on O Street.

Improve the visibility of
downtown and the arrival
experience 1
Principle
34 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.3 Design Principles Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown Expected Outcomes
• Improved visibility of Firebaugh to
people passing through on Highway 33
and 13th Street.
• A defined sense of place, especially in
the downtown area.
• Enhanced arrival experience to O Street,
reinforcing this as the main street in
Firebaugh.
• Decreased traffic speeds to increase
safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Potential Projects
• Roundabout with entry signage at the
intersections of Morris Kyle Drive and
Highway 33, and Clyde Fannon Drive
and Highway 33.
• Roundabout with entry signage at the
intersection of P and 13th Street.
• New entry sign at W. Nees Avenue
before entering Firebaugh.
• New gateway feature at the intersection
of 12th and O Street.
• Roadway improvements to Highway 33
including lane reductions and the other
traffic calming measures.

Figure 2.17 Signage creates
a sense of arrival to downtown
(above); gateway informs visitors
they have arrived (below).

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 35 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.3 Design Principles Focusing new infill development at the downtown core will help create a robust downtown identity.

O Street can provide a “main street” retail
environment for local businesses and
entrepreneurs. Many of the buildings
along O Street are historically significant
and provide a great opportunity for visitors
to experience the unique character of
the historic downtown in a pleasing,
pedestrian-friendly environment. Despite
these positive aspects, retail along O
Street has struggled due to its limited
access and visibility from Highway 33,
Nees Avenue, and 13th Street.

New economic development in Firebaugh
should be organized in a manner that
increases the viability of existing O Street
businesses, and encourages visitors to
patronize existing available services. The
Study suggests ways in which new mixeduse development in downtown may be organized to create such an environment.

Recommendations
The Study recommends focusing infill
development in strategic locations along
O Street. These focus areas can help
anchor downtown development and spur
revitalization.

The Central Downtown Focus Area is
located on O Street between 10th and
13th Street and has a civic identity. This
focus area has the potential to add new
mixed-use infill development on vacant
parcels, and can benefit from a new open
space and a new gateway to downtown to
enhance the arrival experience of O Street.

The North Downtown Focus Area is
located on O Street between 10th and 7th
Street and has a commercial identity. This
focus area can include a variety of housing
opportunities that could bring more
people to help sustain existing and new
downtown businesses.

Expected Outcomes
• Downtown has a balanced mix of
housing, employment, civic and
recreation uses.
• Downtown also functions as a
neighborhood, with an increase in the
number of people living there.
• Downtown is a destination for
employment, entertainment,
and recreation for Firebaugh and
neighboring areas.
• Downtown has active, well-used streets
and public spaces, and can host a
variety of community events and
activities.
• Downtown has a distinct identity that is
representative of Firebaugh’s past and
future.

Focus new infill
development at the 2 downtown core
Principle
Figure 2.18 Walkable,
mixed-use downtowns are an
established trend, with a focus
on pedestrian-scaled streets
and active ground floor uses.
36 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.3 Design Principles Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown Potential Projects
• Redevelopment of opportunity sites
along O Street from 7th to 13th Streets.
• Create mixed-use nodes at 11th and O
Streets, and at 8th and O Streets.
• Create a central open space in
downtown to hold community events.
• Incentivize small-scale infill housing
throughout downtown on underutilized
parcels.
• Establish a strong multi-modal network
downtown to improve pedestrian and
bicycle access, safety and connectivity
to all downtown destinations.

Figure 2.19 Local institutions
and events give identity to a
downtown, attracting residents
and visitors alike.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 37 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.3 Design Principles Improve connectivity between local amenities to provide a pleasant and safe walking and biking experience.

Analysis of the City’s physical form
shows that there is an opportunity to link
several principal open spaces and City
schools along one continuous network for
pedestrians and bicyclists. This network
can provide safe routes for children and
families to and from home and school and
can provide an alternative means to autooriented, north-south travel across town that promotes health and exercise.

Potential transformations to Highway
33 can further support multi-modal
transportation in Firebaugh. Highway 33 is
an essential north-south connection that
currently prioritizes vehicular movement
over other modes.

Recommendations
This Study recommends bicycle facilities
connecting popular destinations such
as the Firebaugh High School, Middle
School, Hazel M. Bailey Primary School,
Maldonado Park and Dunkle Park with
other schools and parks in downtown such
as the Arthur E Mills Intermediate School,
Riverside Park, and Firebaugh Center/West
Hills Community College.

Clyde Fannon Drive, P Street, and Morris
Kyle Drive are the major streets that would
require infrastructure improvements.

It is important to note that bicycle
improvements do not require changes
to existing curbs since downtown streets
are sufficiently wide at 80 feet. Paint is the
only material necessary for implementing
these changes, thus a low-cost solution.

Bicycle lanes on Highway 33 can also help
with traffic calming and improving safety
for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Expected Outcomes
• An increase in the number of people
walking and bicycling to downtown from
adjacent neighborhoods.
• Reduction in severe and fatal injuries
near crossings and along major
corridors by slowing vehicular traffic.
• Improved pedestrian and cycling
experience throughout Firebaugh.
• Gaps closed in pedestrian and bicycle
network.

Potential Projects
• Addition of Class II bike lanes on Morris
Kyle Drive, Clyde Fannon Drive and
Highway 33.
• Highway 33 safety improvements for
traffic calming and pedestrian safety.

Improve multi-modal
connectivity citywide and
strengthen pedestrian-bike 3 access to downtown
Principle
Figure 2.20 Class II bike lanes
with a buffer strip are a great
addition to any multi-modal
framework. They are a low cost
option to increase the safety of
bicyclists in a city.
38 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.3 Design Principles Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown Figure 2.21 Active streets
with protected bicycle facilities
(above); wide sidewalks, street
trees, and outdoor dining
(below).
• Curb extensions and crosswalks at
the intersection of Highway 33 and
major east-west streets in the core of
downtown.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 39 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.3 Design Principles The San Joaquin River is an essential part of Firebaugh’s history. By creating visual and physical connections to the river, this amenity could help strengthen and enhance Firebaugh’s local identity.

The City enjoys close proximity to the San
Joaquin River and the natural areas that
surround it. The river enjoys high water
levels year round, and maintains special
historical significance as the location for
Firebaugh’s original ferry service. Despite
its close proximity, the river is not visible
from most areas of town, and access to
the river’s edge is not easy or obvious.

The Friant Dam settlement restored
healthy water levels to the San Joaquin
River. As the environmental quality of
the river continues to improve, it should
be promoted as a location of natural,
recreational, and historic importance that
can be enjoyed by residents and visitors
alike. To this end, the Study suggests
urban design improvements that can
assist in improving visual and physical
access to the river.

Recommendations
This plan identifies three main east-west
streets that can strongly visual terminate
the river from Highway 33: 9th, 10th,
and 11th Streets. These streets provide
strong visual and physical connections
to the river from Highway 33 and should
also be prioritized to facilitate east-west
movement for pedestrians and bicyclists
traveling to and from the river.

The trailhead for the Riverside Walking Trail
terminates at 11th Street. Currently, the
trailhead is small and does not celebrate
the entry to this amenity. Improvements to
this trailhead can let visitors know that they
have arrived at the trailhead.

At the end of 10th Street, there is a steep
grade change, and the river cannot be
seen from the street. At the top of the
stairs, a taller vertical element such as an
arch could announce this amenity and
draw people down to experience the river.

On 9th Street, the goal is to strengthen the
connection between Firebaugh Center/
West Hills Community College and the
river. Between P and Q Streets, there is
already a lovely park space associated with
the college. Connecting this park with the
river and the Riverside Walking Trail could
help it feel more connected to the city’s
overall framework of public spaces.

Expected Outcomes
• Improved visual and physical
connections between Highway 33 and
the San Joaquin River.
• Riverside Walking Trail and other open
spaces integrated into the network of
public spaces.

Create new open spaces
in downtown and reinforce 4 access to San Joaquin River Principle
40 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

2.3 Design Principles Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown • Increased potential for recreational
activities such as fishing and canoeing.
• Enhanced sense of place and identity
through an active riverfront.

Potential Projects
• Improvements to the trailhead at the end
of 11th Street for the Riverside Walking
Trail.
• Improvements to the Riverside Walking
Trail such as resurfacing and new trail
markers.
• Improved recreational access to the
San Joaquin River through terracing or
similar methods to ensure people of all
mobility levels can enjoy this amenity.
• A visual terminus at the end of 10th
Street to attract visitors from O Street
and Highway 33.

Figure 2.22 Kern River Trail in
Bakersfield, CA is an example
of a well-used shared-use
path that links a number of
community destinations
including the university.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 41 Chapter 2 — Community Vision for Downtown 2.3 Design Principles 42 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025 In this chapter

3.1 A Connected, Mixed-Use Downtown Firebaugh 44

3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework 46

3.3 Improving the Downtown Arrival Experience 54

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown 56

3.5 Open Space and Public Realm Strategies 72
Downtown
Vision
for Urban Design
and Connectivity

CHAPTER
3 Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 43

3.1 A Connected, Mixed-Use
Downtown Firebaugh
This plan envisions a downtown Firebaugh where new development and connectivity improvements work hand in hand to create a strong identity.

Vision for Downtown
The vision for downtown is of a vibrant
destination for Firebaugh residents and
visitors, with a mix of residential, retail, civic
and institutional uses. It will have a distinct
identity, shaped by its buildings and open
spaces, and a sense of place reinforced
by an inviting and inclusive public realm.

Focused infill development on vacant
parcels will bring new housing and retail
uses to downtown that will support its
evolution as a mixed-use destination. The
built environment will establish a clear
hierarchy of spaces within downtown,
reinforcing O Street as the main street of
downtown Firebaugh.

Downtown will have new parks and plazas
as well as improved access to the San
Joaquin River. Connectivity improvements
will prioritize safety and access for
pedestrians and bicyclists and make it
easier to get to downtown both from
Legend
Existing buildings
Proposed buildings
Figure 3.1 Illustrative Plan
Focusing on the core of
downtown, the illustrative
plan shows potential infill
development on vacant and
undeveloped parcels and
connectivity improvements.

Arthur E
Interme
Scho
N Street (Hwy 33)
10th Street
12th Street
Poso Canal
44 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.1 A Connected, Mixed-Use Downtown Firebaugh Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Highway 33 as well as from other parts of
Firebaugh.

Through key City-led development
projects and public realm improvements in
strategic locations, downtown can attract
economic investment and provide places
for people to live, work, shop, and gather.

Design Process
During the multi-day Community Design
Charrette in May 2024, the consultant
team worked with City staff and the
community to understand opportunities
in downtown for infill development and
connectivity. Potential infill sites were
identified to demonstrate improvements
as part of the overall downtown design
framework. These sites were tested with
appropriate building types to illustrate
what the future development could look
like, as shown in the downtown illustrative
plan in Figure 3.1.

In parallel, concepts for streetscape and
public realm improvements were also
developed to support the proposed infill
development, improve safety and create a
unique identity for downtown.

Firebaugh
Middle
School
E Mills
ediate
ool
O Street
P Street
13th Street
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 45 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.1 A Connected, Mixed-Use Downtown Firebaugh

3.2 Multi-Modal
Connectivity Framework
A “complete streets” network that accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists will improve safety and access to downtown.

Overall Approach
A “complete streets” design approach, as
illustrated in Figure 3.3, is recommended
for downtown Firebaugh. Complete
streets prioritize the safety, comfort, and
experience of pedestrians and bicyclists in
addition to accommodating motor vehicle
traffic. Updating the entire downtown
street network is recommended to create
a “complete streets network”, where all
users have access. However, every street
does not need to accommodate all modes
equally; some streets will be prioritized for
one or more user types.

Multi-Modal Framework
The proposed multi-modal framework
for downtown highlights priority streets
for walking, bicycling, and motor vehicle
traffic and helps to guide recommended
improvements.

Pedestrian Priorities
• Establish O Street as a pedestrianpriority downtown “main street.” • Connect 11th and 9th Street to the San
Joaquin riverfront.
• Complete sidewalk gaps where missing.

Bicyclist Priorities
• Prioritize P Street as a bike-priority street.
• Connect across Highway 33/ N Street.
• Improve intersection crossings.

Motorist Priorities
• Highway 33/ N Street reconfiguration to
maintain traffic flow, while also calming
traffic and improving downtown access.
• Roundabouts to provide gateways and
improve safety.

Figure 3.2 Recent pedestrian
safety improvements in
Firebaugh include curb
extensions that reduce
pedestrian crossing distances
and improve safety.
46 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 2 4
5 6
3 1

1. Street Furniture such as
seating, tables, and bicycle
parking help to identify the
street as a destination rather
than merely a route between
distant points.

4. Narrower Travel Lanes
encourage people to drive
more slowly along the street,
resulting in a safer and
more hospitable downtown
environment.

2. Pedestrian-Scale Lighting
that is well-designed can
contribute to safety and
accessibility, making the
street an inviting place at all
hours and for all users.

5. Bicycle Facilities can make
cycling an attractive option
for a wide range of ages and
ability levels.

3. Street Trees and Green
Infrastructure can deliver
a variety of benefits to the
streetscape, from providing
shade and lowering ambient
temperatures, to capturing
and treating storm water.

6. ADA-Compliant Sidewalks
and Crosswalks with curb
extensions and highly visible
crosswalk markings can make
a tremendous difference
for people with sensory or
mobility challenges, and the
elderly.

Figure 3.3 A multi-modal approach to balance the needs of all users.

Complete Streets are designed so that people of all ages and abilities can travel safely, comfortably, and conveniently by foot, bicycle, car, or transit. This approach improves the quality of life for all users by creating safe, sustainable transportation networks and public spaces.

Complete Streets
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 47 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework Street Prioritization for
Multi-Modal Connectivity
Overall Approach
Prioritizing some roadways for vehicular
traffic while improving pedestrian and
bicycle facilities can help to balance the
priorities of motor vehicles, pedestrians
and cyclists. The motor vehicle priority
streets include those that provide access
for the movement of both people and
goods into and through Firebaugh from
surrounding communities, while also
providing the primary connections within
Firebaugh between neighborhoods, and
to downtown.

The motor vehicle priority streets under
jurisdiction of the City of Firebaugh are:
• 13th Street provides access from
Highway 33 and downtown to schools
and neighborhoods east of downtown,
then becomes Avenue 7 ½ leading
east to agricultural areas, Madera, and
Highway 99.
• 12th Street provides access from
Highway 33 and downtown to industrial
areas west of the railroad tracks, then
becomes W Nees Avenue leading west
to agricultural areas and Interstate 5.
• Clyde Fannon Drive provides access
from Highway 33 and downtown to
neighborhoods in north Firebaugh and
to agricultural areas north of town.

Recommendations for these streets
include maintaining access and
throughput for motor vehicles, while
ensuring safety and access for pedestrians
and bicyclists. 12th Street and 13th
Street must also accommodate regional
traffic, including truck traffic and farm
equipment. For 13th Street, a roundabout
is recommended at P Street, to serve as
a gateway to Firebaugh, and to improve
safety and usability of the intersection for
all users.

Highway 33 (N Street) is a special case,
as a roadway under Caltrans jurisdiction
that passes through Firebaugh. It must
serve multiple purposes, providing a major
route for motor vehicle traffic traveling
north-south through Firebaugh while also
serving local traffic to connect between
neighborhoods, and to downtown. At the
same time, pedestrians and bicyclists
must use and cross N Street to access
some destinations.

Figure 3.5 N Street/ Hwy 33
is a regional connector under
Caltrans jurisdiction that fulfils a
variety of purposes.

Figure 3.4 Vehicular
circulation in downtown
Firebaugh needs to address
truck traffic that services the
region’s agro-based industries.
48 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Scale 1" = 800'
0 800' 1600'
N
Roundabout
Streetscape improvements
Highway 33 improvements
Bicycle lane
San Joaquin River Trail
Crossing improvements
Legend
W Nees Ave
Arthur E Mills
Intermediate
School
Firebaugh
Middle
School
Coalinga
College
Riverside Park
San Joaquin River
Firebaugh
City Park
Firebaugh
City Hall
9th Street
10th Street
11th Street
N Street
Q Street
R Street
Saipan Ave
M Steet
O Street
P Street
Valle De Paz Ave Leyva Ave
Q Street
R Street
T Street
Mendoza Dr
Mendoza Dr
Allardt Dr Allardt Dr
Thomas Conboy Ave
Zozaya Street
Logue St
P Street
Q Street
13th Street
Ave 7 1/2
14th Street
15th Street
16th Street
8th Street
7th Street
Cline Street
Yip Street
Clyde Fannon Dr
12th Street
W Nees Ave
Maldonado Park
Figure 3.6 Proposed multi-modal circulation network
Sidewalk gaps
(missing/incomplete)
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 49 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework Table 3A. Recommended Motor Vehicle Network Improvements Roundabout on 13th Street at
P Street
Serves as a gateway for traffic entering downtown Firebaugh from the east.

Provides a safe intersection for all users.

Provides more efficient traffic operations than the existing all-way stop.

Highway 33 (N Street) lane
reduction (long-term iteration
of ongoing Highway 33
improvements by Caltrans in
2025)
Reduce the number of through lanes from two lanes to one lane between Yip Street and south of Saipan Avenue.

Provide left turn lanes at intersections.

Provide buffered bike lanes, street parking where needed.

Between 11th Street and 14th Street, add a second through lane southbound at 12th Street and northbound at 13th
Street, then continue these lanes to the next intersection as left turn lanes. These lanes will improve signal operations by allowing shorter signal cycles for the movements served by additional lanes, and provide storage for queued vehicles at the signals.

Highway 33 gateway
roundabouts at Clyde Fannon
Drive and Morris Kyle Drive
Add roundabouts on Highway 33 at Clyde Fannon Drive and Morris Kyle Drive.

Use the central islands to provide gateway signs and other features.

Roundabouts will provide safe and efficient movement for motor vehicles, while also improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

At the time of this Study report (January
2025), improvements to Highway 33 by
Caltrans were underway for the section
between Clyde Fannon Drive and Morris
Kyle Drive, with the addition of Class II bike
lanes, separated from travel lanes by a two
foot buffer strip. In the longer term, it is
recommended to reconfigure Highway 33
to reduce the number of through lanes to
one lane (from two) in each direction for
the section between Saipan Avenue and
Yip Street. This lane reduction would allow
bike lanes, street parking and sidewalks to
be accommodated while allowing highway
through-traffic. It would improve safety
for all users, make it easier for pedestrians
and bicyclists to travel along and across
Highway 33, and enable motorists to easily
access downtown.

Between 12th and 13th Streets, Highway
33 also serves east-west traffic through
Firebaugh, necessitating a unique design
between 11th Street and 14th Street. At the
north and south entrances to Firebaugh
on Highway 33 at at Clyde Fannon Drive
and Morris Kyle Drive, roundabouts are
recommended to serve as gateways while
controlling the movement of motor vehicle
traffic in a safe and efficient manner.

Recommended improvements to the
motor vehicle network are listed in Table
3A below.
50 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Bicycle Network and
Pedestrian Facilities
Overall Approach
Improving safety and access for
pedestrians and creating a connected
bicycle network for Firebaugh will create
a more equitable transportation system
for residents and visitors. Additionally,
improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities
have been proven to provide economic
benefits in communities.

Bicyclists
Currently, motor vehicles occupy the
largest portion of the right-of-way in
Firebaugh, in the form of travel lanes and
parking. Some of the street right-of-way
can be repurposed for bicycle lanes,
providing transportation options for those
who choose to, or need to, cycle as their
mode of transportation. These on-road
bicycle lanes dovetail with the existing and
proposed trail system, focused around the
path along the San Joaquin River.

The recommended bikeway network
aims to attract residents within Firebaugh,
where the entire city is within easy
bicycling distance (under three miles)
of downtown and other destinations,
by creating bicycle facilities on select
roadways. The bikeway network should
support bicyclists of all ages and abilities
as well as users of other low-speed
mobility devices such as electric scooters.

The priority bicycling projects include
developing buffered bicycle lanes on
Highway 33 as part of the recommended
reconfiguration from two through lanes
to one through lane in each direction,
completing the proposed shared use
paths along and connecting to the San
Joaquin River, and developing a northsouth route using bicycle lanes on Clyde Fannon Drive and P Street, continuing on
other streets to Firebaugh High School
and Highway 33.

Priority bicycling improvement projects are
listed in Table 3B on the next page.

Pedestrians
As noted in the 2024 Fresno County
Active Transportation Plan, Firebaugh has
sidewalks on most streets, with more than
33 miles of existing sidewalks. The ATP
recommends constructing sidewalks to
fill existing sidewalk gaps. There are small
gaps on several minor streets, including
8th Street, 10th Street, 14th Street, and
15th Street; these gaps are lower priority
because these streets carry low traffic
volumes. A more critical sidewalk gap is
on N Street (Highway 33) north of Clyde
Fannon Drive, along with a short segment
on the north side of Clyde Fannon Drive at
N Street.

The sidewalk network is complete along
O Street, which is downtown Firebaugh’s
“main street”; however, street trees and
other public realm improvements will
help revitalize downtown, as discussed in
subsequent sections of this document.

Pedestrian safety and access can be
greatly enhanced by improving crossings
on busy streets. One recommended
improvement is a roundabout at the
intersection of 13th Street and P Street.

But the most critical crossing concerns
for pedestrians in Firebaugh are along
Highway 33.

Figure 3.7 Separated bikeway
in Coalinga, CA improves safety
for bike users of all ages and
experience levels.

Source: Fresno County Regional
Active Transportation Plan
Figure 3.8 Flashing beacons
as in this example from Fowler,
CA allow pedestrians to alert
drivers before crossing streets.

Source: Fresno County Regional
Active Transportation Plan
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 51 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework Reconfiguration of Highway 33 through
Firebaugh to reduce the number of
through lanes to one lane in each
direction can make crossing the highway
significantly easier and safer. With only
one through lane to cross at unsignalized
intersections along the highway, marked
crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing
beacons can be implemented at any
intersection where there are notable
destinations west of the highway.

As noted in the previous section, this can
be a long-term version of the current
improvements underway for Highway
33, which include the addition of Class
II bicycle lanes, separated by a two foot
buffer strip, while still maintaining two
travel lanes in each direction.

Gateway roundabouts on Highway 33 at
Clyde Fannon Drive and Morris Kyle Drive
will further enhance pedestrian crossings
at those two intersections, serving to
connect existing neighborhoods and
schools east of the highway with potential
residential and commercial development
west of the highway near these
intersections.

Priority pedestrian improvement projects
are listed in Table 3C on the facing page.

Table 3B. Priority Bicycling Improvement Projects
Bicycle Lanes to Firebaugh
Schools
Restripe the following streets to implement on-road bicycle lanes; use painted buffers where there is enough width.

These bicycle lanes connect most Firebaugh neighborhoods to all Firebaugh schools:
- Clyde Fannon Drive from Dodderer Street to Highway 33 - P Street from Clyde Fannon Drive to 16th Street
- 16th Street from P Street to O Street
- O Street from 16th Street to Saipan Avenue
- Saipan Avenue from O Street to Highway 33
- Landucci Drive from Saipan Avenue to Morris Kyle Drive - Morris Kyle Drive from Landucci Drive to Highway 33
Highway 33 (N Street) buffered
bicycle lanes
Install bicycle lane with painted buffers (ongoing project as of 2025 consistent with the Fresno County Active
Transportation Plan), and retain Class II buffered bike lanes as part of the proposed future Highway 33 lane reduction.

San Joaquin River path Construct two critical segments of the path:
- From the current southern end of the path near River lane to Birch Drive
- From 7th Street to Maldonado Park, including the bridge over Poso Canal
52 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Table 3C. Priority Pedestrian Improvement Projects
O Street Streetscape Construct streetscape improvements on O Street between 10th Street and 13th Street and on 10th Street, 11th Street, and 12th Street between N Street and P Street, including - Curb extensions at intersections and midblock where
feasible
- Street trees, lighting, seating and shading elements where feasible
Highway 33 (N Street) sidewalk
gaps
Connect all sidewalk gaps on the east side of N Street, in conjunction with the lane reduction project.

Missing sidewalks on the west side in front of developed lots should also be constructed
Highway 33 (N Street) crossing
improvements
Construct median refuges and rectangular rapid flashing beacons across as part of the Highway 33 lane reduction project, at the following locations:
- 10th Street
- 11th Street
- 15th Street
- Midblock connecting the mobile home park to the market - Saipan Avenue
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 53 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.2 Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework

3.3 Improving the Downtown
Arrival Experience
Creating a sense of arrival to downtown Firebaugh will help support downtown revitalization and enhance its identity.

Roundabouts for Firebaugh
Roundabouts are recommended at several
locations within Firebaugh, including on
Highway 33 at Clyde Fannon Drive and
Morris Kyle Drive, and on 13th Street at
P Street. Roundabouts are a recognized
and proven method of improving road
safety for all modes and in maintaining
continuous traffic flow at lower speeds.

Benefits of roundabouts, as envisioned for
Firebaugh, are described below.

Gateways. The three intersections
proposed for roundabouts will all serve
as gateways to Firebaugh. The gateway
benefits of roundabouts are two-fold. First,
by design, roundabouts reduce travel
speeds through the roundabout to 15 to
25 miles per hour, while managing traffic
volumes efficiently. With roundabouts
at three of the primary entries to the
City, these slow speeds create a natural
transition from high-speed rural roadways
to slower travel speeds compatible
with pedestrian and bicyclist safety and
community revitalization.

Wayfinding. Second, the central islands
of roundabouts offer opportunities for
landscaping and streetscape features that
can communicate a welcome to Firebaugh
message using signage or art.

Efficient Traffic Flow. Roundabouts
provide for efficient interactions between
motor vehicles, managing conflicting
streams of traffic and making it easy
for vehicles to enter busy roadways or
make left turns. Due to the slower speeds
created by roundabouts, they have
significantly better vehicular safety records
than signalized intersections and two-way
stop-controlled intersections.

Safety. Roundabouts improve safety and
convenience for pedestrians as well. At
signalized intersections, pedestrians must
often wait before crossing. At uncontrolled
crosswalks of busy streets, motorists
often don’t yield to pedestrians, while
pedestrians have difficulty judging gaps
in traffic. At roundabouts, slow speeds
facilitate motorists yielding to pedestrians,
and pedestrians experience almost
no delay. The raised splitter island at
roundabout entrances serves as a refuge
island for pedestrians, further simplifying
the crossing task and improving safety.

As a result of the slow speeds and
refuge islands, roundabouts are safer for
pedestrians than signalized intersections
and uncontrolled crosswalks.

Bicyclists at roundabouts can take
advantage of some of the benefits for both
motorists and pedestrians. For bicyclists
on the roadway, vehicle speeds are slowed
to speeds compatible with bicycle speeds.

Children and other bicyclists who use
sidewalks can cross at roundabouts in
a manner similar to pedestrians. For the
roundabouts on Highway 33 where traffic
volumes are higher, including frequent
trucks, bicycle ramps are recommended
to allow bicyclists to exit bicycle lanes to
the sidewalks.
54 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.3 Improving the Downtown Arrival Experience Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Creating a Sense of Arrival
Wayfinding examples when approaching downtown
The goal of this type of signage is to alert visitors that they are approaching downtown. These signs should be large to get the attention of visitors.

Wayfinding examples when entering downtown
This type of signage announces to visitors that they have arrived in downtown. Often this type of signage is smaller scale and gives details about the character of downtown.

Figure 3.10 Potential
roundabouts on Highway
33, such as this conceptual
sketch at Morris Kyle Drive, can
improve downtown access and
visibility.

Figure 3.9 Downtown arrival strategy
Main vehicular movement
Downtown circulation
Main access points
Potential locations for
traffic calming/ gateways
Existing signage
Recommended locations for
additional signage
N
Hwy 33/ N St.

P St.

O St.

W Nees Ave.
12th St.
8th St.
13th St.

Morris Kyle Dr.

Saipan Ave.

Clyde
Fannon
Dr.

Hwy 33/ N St.

Morris Kyle Dr.

N
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 55 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.3 Improving the Downtown Arrival Experience

3.4 Focus Areas within
Downtown
The development strategy for downtown Firebaugh includes focused improvements in key areas to position O Street as a “main street”.

Downtown Focus Areas
During the Community Design Charrette,
the team focused on identifying focus
areas for infill and/or redevelopment
throughout downtown. These areas were
then analyzed and tested with appropriate
building types that would fit on existing
lots, to create illustrative plans of what
the future development could look like.

Centered around O Street, the two focus
areas, shown in Figure 3.11, are:
• Central Downtown: O Street between
10th and 13th Street
• North Downtown: O Street between
8th and 9th Street
This section discusses these two focus
areas, describing the envisioned role
of each in shaping the future vision for
downtown Firebaugh.

Recommended design improvements
for each opportunity site have been
described, that include streetscape
and public realm improvements, built
character, and new uses.

Legend
Existing buildings
Proposed buildings
Focus areas
Figure 3.11 Focus areas
Centered around O Street as the downtown
“main street”, the concept plan focuses on
two areas: Central and North Downtown.

North Downtown
O St
O St
P St
13th St
12th St
8th St
P St
Central Downtown
56 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Central Downtown
O Street between 10th and 13th Street
This area is an opportunity to create a new identity for downtown through public spaces, a gateway, and community amenities.

Identity and Role
This area contains the primary entrance
to downtown Firebaugh. A lot of traffic
comes in on 13th Street from Fresno
and turns onto Highway 33, completely
missing downtown Firebaugh. The design
ideas put forth in this Study work towards
the goal of creating a strong sense of
arrival to downtown. Another goal is to
provide amenities within the downtown
that attract people from Firebaugh as well
as surrounding communities.

Built Character and Uses
Design concepts for Central Downtown
are shown in the illustrative plan in Figure

3.14 on the next page.
• Transform the corner of 11th and O
Street by creating a mixed-use node
with a new plaza. This plaza would allow
people to gather, and new crosswalks
would ensure pedestrians can safely
frequent local businesses.

Figure 3.12 Central
Downtown focus area
Figure 3.13 Existing conditions
O Street is the main street in Firebaugh, but it experiences very little foot traffic. Currently, some small businesses are still operating in this section of O Street between 10th and 13th Street, but this area contains many vacant parcels where existing buildings were demolished. These parcels provide excellent opportunities for infill at a variety of scales.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 57 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Figure 3.14 Illustrative Plan for Central Downtown
showing one possible build-out scenario
O Street
HWY 33
12th Street
11th Street
13th Street
P Street
1 2
3 4
5 7
8 1
1 2
6 8
Small Scale Infill
Lot-scale infill development on vacant or
underutilized parcels.
1 Community Center
A new community center is shown at the
corner of O and 12th Street with a small corner
plaza. This new use could provide community
amenities such as a cooling center, business
incubator spaces, etc.
4 Large Scale Infill
Larger infill projects on larger vacant or
underutilized parcels.
2 The Heart of Downtown
11th Street reimagined with a small plaza
at O Street, framed by two new mixed-use
buildings, and streetscape improvements..
3 Gateway to Downtown
A new gateway is proposed at the corner of O
and 12th Street. This would provide a sense of
arrival to downtown for visitors and residents
alike.
5 Courtyard Housing
Courtyard housing could provide more
housing options in downtown. This site
provides a plaza space on the corner of 12th
and P Street.
6 8 O and P Street Improvements
Pedestrian infrastructure improvements along
O and P Streets are complemented by bike
infrastructure improvements on P Street.
7 Highway 33 Improvements
Highway 33 improvements include the addition
of new Class II bikes lanes and lane reductions.

Figure 3.15 Multi-Purpose
Resilience Center, Coachella
could be a model for the
community center in downtown
Firebaugh. The City of Coachella
is seeking state funding to create
a Resilience Community Center
for emergency situations. This
center would also act as a hub for
the community.
58 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity • Enhance the corner of 12th and O
Street with a new gateway feature that
would provide a sense of arrival. The
new community center could provide
amenities to Arthur E. Mills School and
the senior housing located on P Street.
• Develop new housing such as the
courtyard building shown in the
illustrative plan. More housing in
downtown can meet local housing
needs and also help local businesses
by bringing people downtown. New
development can help sponsor small
open spaces such as the corner plaza
shown here, between the school entry
and the Catholic church. Such spaces
could be shared with these entities to
encourage outdoor gathering.
• Develop mixed-use and small-scale
apartment buildings on O Street
• Providing new retail spaces and housing
opportunities on vacant or underutilized
parcels will help enliven downtown.

Streetscape and Public Realm
Improvements
O Street
O Street is envisioned as the main street
of downtown Firebaugh, with pedestrian
infrastructure improvements. No changes
to the right-of-way are proposed.

P Street
P Street is designated as downtown’s
bike-priority street, since it connects
local schools, the college, and other
civic buildings such as the City Hall and
the Post Office with existing residential
neighborhoods. The recommended
modifications to P Street are shown in
Figure 3.17 and include:.
• A 5-foot Class II bike lane with a 3 foot
striped buffer makes biking safe and
enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
• Angled parking on one side of P Street is
changed to parallel parking, to provide
space for bike lanes.

This Study also recommends a
roundabout at the intersection P and
13th Streets, shown in Figure 3.19. This
improvement can lower traffic speeds,
provide a safe crossing for students,
and create an entry feature on the east
side of downtown. The outer portion of
this roundabout can be “mountable” to
accommodate semi-trucks and large
farming machinery.

N Street/ Highway 33
Highway 33 is an important state route
and a major vehicular arterial with
significant truck traffic, that will remain.

Some of the generous street width can
be repurposed to better accommodate
pedestrians and bicyclists, still allowing
Figure 3.16 McDermont Field
House, Lindsay
could be a model for the
community center in downtown
Firebaugh. This is a 172,000
square feet facility in Lindsay,
CA with a fitness center, sports
complex, and entertainment
zone on two city blocks on
Sweetbriar Avenue.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 59 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Figure 3.18 Recommended improvements to Highway 33 from 11th to 14th Street 6’ 3.5’ 14’ 5’ 2’ 10’ 10’ 2’ 5’ 1’ 7’ 3.5’ 6’
Angled Parking Auto Lanes Parking Sidewalk
+ Planter
Sidewalk
+ Planter
Bike
Lane
Bike
Lane
Sidewalk
8’ 9’ 12’ 12’ 5’ 11’ 12’ 12’ 9’ 10’
Planter Parking Auto Lanes Turn Lane Auto Lanes Parking 6’ 7’ 6’ 3’ 11’ 11’ 15’ 11’ 3’ 6’ 8’ 7’ 6’
Planting Strip Parking Sidewalk +
Planter
Sidewalk +
Planter
Drive
Lane
Drive
Lane
Bike
Lane
Bike
Lane
Turn
Lane
Figure 3.17 Recommended improvements for P Street as downtown’s bike-priority street Proposed
Existing
6’ 3.5’ 16’ 12’ 12’ 16’ 3.5’ 6’
Angled Parking Auto Lanes Angled Parking Sidewalk
+ Planter
Sidewalk
+ Planter
60 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity one lane of travel in each direction, and a
center turn lane. This can be a long-term
transformation that could be eligible for
Caltrans Active Transportation Program or
other grant funding to build upon current
improvements. Figure 3.18 shows the
recommended modifications to Highway
33 between 11th and 14th Street:
• Reduce travel lanes from two in each
direction and one turn lane to one lane
in each direction and one turn lane.
• A 6-foot Class II bike lane with a 3
foot buffer from traffic added in each
direction makes biking safer.
• Wider sidewalks with planter strips
could greatly improve the pedestrian
experience along Highway 33.

Regulatory Changes
Zoning districts in this part of downtown
include C-2 and G. The following
zoning changes will be needed for the
development illustrated in this part of
downtown to occur:
• The C-2 district does not allow
townhouses. In order for townhouses to
be built, this typology would need to be
allowed as a permitted use.
• The density in the C-2 district is too
low for mixed-use and multi-family
development, especially on small
infill lots. The density cap will need to
be raised or replaced by an alternate
regulatory standard such as Floor Area
Ratio (FAR) or standards to define the
maximum building envelope.
• The G zoning district does not allow
residential development of any kind.

In order for residential development to
occur, such as the courtyard building
illustrated in the illustrative plan, the
zone standards need to be updated or
the zoning for these parcels changed to
either C-2 or C-3.

The off-street parking requirements are too
high. For multi-family projects, the required
parking ratio is 1.5 spaces per unit. This
could limit the development potential on
small infill sites.

Figure 3.19 Existing street configuration and proposed roundabout at 13th Street and P Street.

Figure 3.20 Example
roundabouts. (Above) A
roundabout in Mendota, similar
to the proposed roundabout in
Firebaugh, is located close to
an elementary school ane helps
slow down traffic and enable
safer crossings.
(Below) This roundabout in
Kerman, completed in 2024,
acts as a gateway in addition to
traffic-calming.

Existing conditions Potential Roundabout at 13th St. and P St.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 61 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown What Could Downtown
Transformation Look Like?
Downtown Plaza at O + 11th
Figure 3.21 A new downtown
plaza at O and 11th Streets
is shown in this perspective
view of the corner of O Street
and 11th Street; looking northeast down 11th Street.

The photograph on the top right
corner of the facing page shows
existing conditions at the same
location.

Wide sidewalks
improve street life
On-street
parking
Streets and connectivity
Parks and public spaces
New uses and activities
Types of Improvements
Street lighting
creates safer public
spaces
View of
Firebaugh
water tower
62 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Facade
elements
for shade
Street trees for
shade and urban
greenery
Plaza with
fountains
creates a
welcoming
atmosphere
New apartments
accommodate
downtown residents
Paved area can be
used for events and
café seating
Shade trees
over plaza
Existing conditions
Active ground floors,
local businesses
Slower traffic
speeds
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 63 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown What Could Downtown
Transformation Look Like?
Downtown Gateway at O + 12th
Street trees for
shade and urban
greenery
Figure 3.22 A new downtown
gateway at O and 12th Streets
is shown in this perspective
view of the corner of O Street
and 12th Street; looking northwest down O Street.

The photograph on the top right
corner of the facing page shows
existing conditions at the same
location.

Wide crosswalks
enhance the
pedestrian
environmemt
Streets and connectivity
Parks and public spaces
New uses and activities
Types of Improvements
64 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Gateway
elements
provde shade
New Community
Center
Existing conditions
Changes in
paving lower
traffic speeds
Gateway
announces
the arrival to
downtown
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 65 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown This area is an opportunity to create a new identity for downtown through public spaces, a gateway, and community amenities.

Identity and Role
This focus area contains 8th Street, an
important entry point to downtown
Firebaugh from Highway 33. Currently,
there is no signage directing visitors to
Firebaugh as one travels south-east on
Highway 33. This presents an opportunity
to create a new entry experience into
downtown by using the bridge over Poso
Canal as a gateway.

A large vacant parcel at this entry point
on 8th Street has infill potential for a new
mixed-use development to terminate O
Street and provide new retail and housing
opportunities in downtown.

Built Character and Uses
Design concepts for North Downtown are
shown in the illustrative plan in Figure 3.25
on the facing page.
• Transform the bridge over the canal
to create a sense of arrival through
improved pedestrian and bike
infrastructure and signage.

North Downtown
O Street between 8th and 9th Street
Figure 3.23 North Downtown
focus area
Figure 3.24 Existing conditions
This area of Firebaugh contains consistent street frontage and functioning local business. This area also includes the Firebaugh campus of Coalinga college, a major destination. As of 2025, State Foods Supermarket on O Street had plans to relocate to the vacant parcel at O and 8th Streets. The illustrative plan for this focus area shows a possible configuration of this supermarket expansion, also adding housing and plaza to create a mixed-use node. 66 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity • Enhance O Street by creating a
mixed-use node at its terminus. This
node could include residential and
commercial uses, creating a new
center of activity on O Street. New
public spaces such as a plaza with
trees could provide places for residents
and shoppers to gather outdoors. A
fountain, sculpture, or other public art
options could provide this new public
space with a distinct identity.
• Strengthen the visual connection
between Highway 33 and the Firebaugh
Center (Coalinga College) through
street improvements along 9th Street.

These improvements could support
local businesses and also draw people
in to experience O Street.
• Create a more pedestrian and bikefriendly environment on Highway 33 through traffic-calming measures and
infrastructure improvements. These
improvements could include reducing
the number of travel lanes in both
directions, introducing Class II bike
lanes, and providing wide sidewalks
with green buffers and trees to provide
shade and encourage walking.

Streetscape and Public Realm
Improvements
8th Street
8th Street is an important connection
between Highway 33 and O Street.
• Continuous sidewalks make this street
more walkable for pedestrians.
• New bulb outs on 8th Street can create
a safer experience for pedestrians.

O Street
HWY 33
9th Street
8th Street
P Street
1 2
3 4
5 6
Figure 3.25 Illustrative Plan for North Downtown
showing one possible build-out scenario
Grocery Expansion
Expansion of the State Foods Supermarket
accommodated on the large vacant site
terminating O Street.

Residential Infill
Townhouses and small multi-family buildings
provide new housing options and activate the
proposed public plaza in front of the grocery.

Highway 33 Improvements
Highway 33 improvements includes the addition
of new Class II bike lanes and lane reductions.
1 4
2 3
5 6
Highway 33 Bridge Improvements
Bridge infrastructure updated with pedestrian
improvements to provide a new gateway to
downtown.

Mixed Use Building
Mixed-use building at the corner of 8th Street
and O Street provides new commercial and
housing options in downtown.
9th Street Improvements
Street improvements, such as changes in paving,
draw people from Highway 33 to the downtown
core at O Street.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 67 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown • Plant street trees to providing shading
and foster a rich pedestrian experience.
9th Street
P Street connects Highway 33 and the
Firebaugh Center.
• Strengthen the visual connection
between Highway 33 and the
Firebaugh Center through streetscape
improvements.

N Street/ Highway 33
This portion of Highway 33 is the main
entry point to Firebaugh from the
north-west.
• As envisioned in the proposed (longterm) lane reconfiguration for Highway 33, the segment of the highway
adjacent to this focus area has three
lanes (reduced from five) with one drive
lane in each direction and a turn lane to
improve access and safety.
• Wide planting strips provide
opportunities for trees or other
landscape elements.
• A 6-foot Class II bike lane with a 3-foot
buffer makes the biking experience safer
and more enjoyable.
• Wide sidewalks with a planter strip
greatly improve the walking experience.

Figure 3.28 shows the recommended
modifications to Highway 33 between 8th
and 9th Streets.

Regulatory Changes
Zoning districts in this part of downtown
include C-2 and C-3. The following
zoning changes will be needed for the
development illustrated in this part of
downtown to occur:
• The C-2 district does not allow
townhouses. In order for townhouses to
be built, this typology would need to be
allowed as a permitted use.
• The density in the C-2 and C-3 districts
is too low for mixed-use and multi-family
developments, especially on small
infill lots. The density cap will need to
be raised or replaced by an alternate
regulatory standard such as Floor Area
Ratio (FAR).
• The off-street parking requirements
for multi-family projects are high, at 1.5
spaces per unit. This can be reduced to
improve project feasibility.

Figure 3.27 Existing vacant site and an example of what the new grocery store could look like.

Figure 3.26 Mixed-use infill
could help provide housing and
commercial space in downtown
Firebaugh. Above is an example
of what a mixed-use building at
the corner of O Street and 8th
Street could look like.

Existing conditions Example of an urban grocery
68 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 8’ 9’ 12’ 12’ 5’ 11’ 12’ 12’ 9’ 10’
Planter Parking Drive Lanes Turn Lane Drive Lanes Parking Sidewalk 6’ 7’ 6’ 3’ 11’ 25’ 11’ 3’ 6’ 8’ 7’ 6’
Planting Strip
(+ Turn Lane)
Parking Sidewalk +
Planter
Drive
Lane
Drive
Lane
Bike
Lane
Bike
Lane
Sidewalk +
Planter
Figure 3.28 Recommended improvements for Highway 33 between 8th and 9th Streets Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 69 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown What Could Downtown
Transformation Look Like?
Mixed-Use Development at O + 8th
Street trees for
shade and urban
greenery
Figure 3.29 A new downtown
commercial node terminating
O Street is shown in this
perspective view of the end of
O Street; looking north-west
down O Street.

The photograph on the top right
corner of the facing page shows
existing conditions at the same
location.

Wide crosswalks
and sidewalk bulb
outs increase
pedestrian safety
Angled street
parking
Streets and connectivity
Parks and public spaces
New uses and activities
Types of Improvements
Mixed-use building
provides housing and
commercial space
Street lighting
creates safer public
spaces
70 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Facade
elements
for shade
Fountain
contributes to
place-making
Shade trees
over plaza
Existing conditions
Tower provides visual
interest
Street lighting
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 71 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.4 Focus Areas within Downtown Creating a coherent system of public spaces throughout Firebaugh could improve walkability and contribute to a vibrant downtown.

One of the key takeaways from community
outreach was the desire for more open
spaces in downtown and better riverfront
access. As described in Section 3.4,
open spaces can be integrated into
development projects to enhance the
public realm and attract residents and
visitors to downtown.

Figure 3.30 below highlights design
concepts to activate the riverfront through
improved connections at 9th, 10th and 11th
Streets. Grant funding can be pursued in
the future to support further development
of these concepts. Figure 3.31 on the
facing page shows examples of open
space types.

Strategies that can be considered include:
• Create pocket parks and plazas as part
of downtown redevelopment projects
by providing density bonus and other
incentives, particularly on large parcels.
• Consider parklets along O Street to
support local businesses and create
places for people to gather.
• Repurpose underused parking lots and
vacant parcels to create temporary
pocket parks and plazas.
• Transform alleys in key locations into
pedestrian paseos with lighting and
paving improvements.

3.5 Open Space and Public
Realm Strategies
Figure 3.30 Design concepts for riverfront activation
1 2 3 10th Street 11th Street 9th Street
Q Street
P Street
Waterfront Stairway
Because of the steep topography, the
river cannot be seen from the street.

This stairway would allow vistas and be
a point of interest.

Plaza with Riverside Terrace 2
Currently, it is not possible to access the
river. A terrace as an extension of the
plaza at 9th Street could allow fishing,
boating and other recreational activities.
1 Trailhead Improvements
The trailhead for the Riverside Trail
terminates 11th Street. Improvements
can help attract downtown visitors.
3 72 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

3.5 Open Space and Public Realm Strategies Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity Figure 3.31 Open space types suitable for downtown Firebaugh Pocket Plazas and Parks
Small-scale plazas and parks, often located at street corners provide an intimate space for seating, outdoor cafés, and informal events. Pocket plazas can be incentivized at key downtown locations as part of redevelopment projects.

La Monte Terrace pocket park, South Bend, IN Plaza in Detroit, MI Pedestrian Alleys
Alleys can be improved with lighting, paving and public art to be lively places connecting pedestrian destinations.

Alley in Louisville, KY Alley in Anaheim, CA
Parklets
Parklets are effective semi-permanent open spaces that
provide a place for outdoor dining, activating the street.

Parklets could be considered for O Street to support local shops and restaurants.

Parklet in San Jaun Bautista, CA Parklet in Placerville, CA Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 73 Chapter 3 — Downtown Vision for Urban Design and Connectivity 3.5 Open Space and Public Realm Strategies 74 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

CHAPTER
4 In this chapter

4.1 Overview of Plan Implementation 76

4.2 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth 78

4.3 Summary of Major Downtown Projects 84

4.4 Zoning Recommendations 88

4.5 Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure Improvements 90 Implementation
Strategies
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 75

4.1 Overview of Plan
Implementation
This section outlines the overarching strategy for the implementation of the Study including prioritization of catalyst projects.

Implementation Approach
Implementation of the Community
Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization
Study’s recommendations will be a longterm effort that will require collaboration between the City of Firebaugh, property
owners, and the development community.

It will be a combination of strategic
catalyst projects as well as facilitating
smaller-scale infill opportunities.

The Study recommends focusing on
the projects outlined in Chapter Three,
in the core of downtown. The Study
does not recommend a rigid phasing
strategy in order to provide a degree of
flexibility to City staff to be able to pursue
development as opportunities arise.

Public improvements will be needed to
reinforce downtown’s identity and attract
investment. This will include measures
to improve connectivity and access to
downtown, traffic calming to enhance
safety for pedestrians and bicyclists,
as well as placemaking and wayfinding
strategies.

For many of such proposed
improvements, it will be practical and
cost-effective to initiate a pilot project for a
defined timeline to truth-test the concepts
for viability, without incurring substantial
upfront capital costs.

Simple implementation strategies can
include:
• Catalyst Infill Projects. Prioritize
development projects within the
opportunity sites identified in Chapter
Three. Such catalyst projects, supported
by public realm improvements and
development incentives, can lead
to sustained incremental infill. The
development and absorption of small
projects will help to prove the market
and demonstrate feasibility for largerscale development. • Public Realm Improvements. Define
key public realm improvements
necessary to implement the downtown
vision as described in Chapter Three
and assign a prioritization (high,
medium, low) for each project as well
as a timeline. Explore grant funding
opportunities and initiate these projects
in partnership with other public and/or
private entities as feasible.
• Placemaking and Tactical Urbanism.

Use short-term or temporary uses, quickbuild improvements and placemaking efforts to build community support for
design ideas. Figure 4.1 shows examples
of such improvements.
76 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.1 Overview of Plan Implementation Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies Building Facades
Improving the building facade
can greatly transform the
pedestrian experience, such as
opening up boarded windows,
better signage, adding awnings
and shade structures; adding a
mural to a blank wall, etc.

Building Frontages
Improvements to the frontage
(where the building meets
the sidewalk) such as outdoor
dining, benches, planters,
paving, etc. can reclaim unused
space and improve the public
realm.

Pedestrian Alleys
Existing alleys can be made into
attractive “pedestrian paseos”
with better lighting, wayfinding
signage, and murals, to attract
more pedestrian activity and
improve safety.

Events and Programming
Underutilized spaces can be
used for events and activities,
to build community support for
downtown activation.

Before
Before
Before
Before
After facade improvements
After public realm improvements
After alley improvements
Near-term transformation
Murals to improve blank facades
Reclaimed space
A “green alley”
Temporary events and activation
Short-Term and Long-Term Transformations
Figure 4.1 Phased transformation and tactical urbanism for short-term activation Not all transformation needs to happen at the same time or at a large scale to have a big impact. In the near term, small, feasible improvements can provide enough change to transform a dilapidated building, street, or business into a lively, attractive hub. These small-scale transformations can be used as pilot projects to catalyze larger-scale transformation.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 77 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.1 Overview of Plan Implementation

4.2 Downtown Revitalization
and Economic Growth
Downtown revitalization will need strategies that can be employed for both short-term and long-term projects in order to have balanced, sustained economic growth.

Overview
The following is a summary of
recommended economic development
strategies and actions for downtown
Firebaugh in light of local conditions in
the project area and the demographic and
economic trends discussed in the Study’s
Existing Conditions Analysis report.

The strategies and actions are designed
to facilitate a diverse mix of new uses in
the downtown over the long-term and
help the City engage in new placemaking
activities in the shorter term to activate
public spaces and enhance overall quality
of life, which can create new opportunities
for economic development and growth.

The two key strategies are summarized
below and described in the following
pages.

Overarching Strategies
The following high-level strategies are recommended for downtown Firebaugh:

Encourage a Diverse Mix of New Uses in
Downtown
• Promote new mixed-use development projects at key
opportunity sites (in the long term).
• Support new smaller residential infill projects on vacant and underutilized sites (in the near/medium/long term).

Create and Activate Public Spaces
• Invest in wayfinding and public realm improvements in downtown.
• Develop special events programming for downtown.
• Develop art, cultural, and passive recreational
programming for downtown.
1 2
78 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.2 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies Placemaking for a downtown district is crucial for enhancing retail sales and improving the community’s quality of life because it transforms the area into a vibrant, attractive destination that draws visitors and residents alike.

By creating inviting public spaces, adding
aesthetic elements, and ensuring the area
is pedestrian-friendly, placemaking fosters
a sense of community and encourages
longer visits, leading to increased
spending at local businesses.

Additionally, well-designed retail
districts can host events, support social
interactions, and provide recreational
opportunities, contributing to enhanced
well-being for residents and creating
a thriving, dynamic community
environment. Continued and expanded
events programming downtown can
enhance its vibrancy and reinforce the
downtown’s position as a community
gathering place.
1A. Invest in Wayfinding and
Public Realm Improvements in
Downtown.

Physical improvements in downtown can
both increase awareness of its offerings
and improve connectivity to, from, and
within downtown Firebaugh. A strong
branding, signage, and wayfinding
program is crucial to attract shoppers
and fostering economic development. A
well-defined brand can create a unique
identity and experience that distinguishes
downtown Firebaugh from its competitors,
making it a preferred destination for
consumers. This increased traffic can
drive sales for local businesses, reduce
vacancy rates, and enhance the area’s
1 Strategy
Create and Activate
Public Spaces
Figure 4.2 San Luis Bautista
is an example of a small town
downtown that is memorable
with effective, low-cost
placemaking.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 79 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.2 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth overall economic vitality. Additionally, a
strong brand can attract new businesses
and investment, further stimulating
economic growth and contributing to the
community’s prosperity.

Branding Assets. Downtown Firebaugh
has many assets and attributes that can
be the foundation for a strong brand,
including several historically significant
buildings, the Firebaugh water tower at
the end of 11th street, the new West Hills
Community College campus, and the San
Joaquin River.

Signage and Wayfinding. A welldesigned signage and wayfinding program would reinforce the downtown
brand, increase awareness of downtown’s
offerings, and facilitate movement
to, from, and within the downtown.

The design of a signage system,
encompassing form, materials, and color
palette should draw from Firebaugh’s
unique history and geography. Ideally a
signage and wayfinding system design
would occur as part of the design and
implementation of street and sidewalk
improvements, including any roundabouts.

Roundabouts also offer an opportunity
to reinforce branding the district with
monument signage and/or public art.

Bend, Oregon, for example, has a
highly successful art program with its
roundabouts and even has a “Roundabout
Art Route” with online maps and the
history behind the art and the artists. For
more information: https://visitbend.com/
community/roundabout-art-route/
1B. Develop Special Events
Programming for Downtown.

In a highly competitive retail environment,
commercial property owners and cities
often support robust events programming
to attract shoppers and enrich the
community’s quality of life. Downtown
Firebaugh could benefit from enhanced
special events programming to attract
additional residents and visitors to the
downtown. Given the demographics of
Firebaugh and the high proportion of
family households with children, additional
family-oriented and youth-oriented
programming could be considered.

Family-oriented programming ideas could
include but not be limited to:
• Scavenger hunts for kids
• Educational workshops
• Seasonal outdoor activity center –
climbing walls and trampolines
• Kids cooking classes sponsored by
nearby restaurant(s)
Figure 4.3 Placemaking
is a way to boost downtown
identity.
80 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.2 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies • Family paint parties
• Seasonal outdoor petting zoo
• Holiday-themed children’s activities
The City should work with partners
to organize and promote new events,
festivals, and other activities that draw
crowds to downtown on a regular basis.

These events can increase foot traffic,
provide entertainment, and create
opportunities for businesses to showcase
their products and services.

Regular events can also help keep
downtown vibrant and continually draw
and introduce new visitors to the City.

Potential new special event venues could
include Riverside Park or underutilized
parking lots in the commercial core of
downtown.
1C. Develop Art, Cultural, and
Passive Recreational Programming
for Downtown.

By incorporating artistic and cultural
elements into an area-wide revitalization
plan, the City can enhance the visitor
experience, making each visit memorable
and encouraging repeat visits. Art in
public spaces, including alleys and private
properties, can gives residents and
visitors a reason to come to downtown
and enjoy its offerings. In many cases a
fun, distinctive artwork can become a
social media moment that would put the
downtown on social media in an organic,
bottom-up way.

In addition to art and cultural
programming, the City can incorporate
other passive recreational programming
elements at existing parks and open
spaces such as Riverside Park near the San
Joaquin River to create a more pleasant
environment for residents and visitors.

Overall, public art and passive recreational
programming can stimulate economic
growth by attracting visitors, supporting
local businesses, and enhancing the area’s
cultural and community appeal.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 81 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.2 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth 2 Strategy
Downtown offers several vacant and underutilized sites that present opportunities for redevelopment or enhanced place-making through activation.

As part of a recent Downtown Mixed-Use
Study, the City identified eleven sites for
potential mixed-use development in the
downtown. Most of the identified sites are
less than half an acre in size and may be
difficult to develop as mixed-use projects
in the near term due to their size.

Recognizing that new mixed-use
development may not be feasible on all
eleven sites, this strategy recommends
promoting the four largest sites as priority
sites for new mixed-use projects; and
supporting smaller stand-alone residential
infill projects on the remaining seven sites.
2A. Promote New Mixed-Use
Development Projects at Key
Opportunity Sites (Long Term).

The recent Downtown Mixed-Use Study
identified a total of four sites that are
greater than half an acre in size. The four
sites are summarized in Table 4A on the
facing page and should be prioritized
in the long term for larger mixed-use
development projects based on their size
alone.

In order to ensure that the sites are
available for future development, the
City should evaluate data on the existing
ownership of the parcels comprising the
identified sites to determine whether other
land assembly strategies may be needed
to enable development of these sites.
2B. Support New Smaller
Residential Infill Projects on
Vacant and Underutilized Sites
(Near/Medium/Long Term).

As discussed in the Existing Conditions
Analisys report of this Study, there is
significant need for more rental housing
at all income levels, particularly housing
suitable for large and family households,
throughout the City.

In the near to medium term, the City
should prioritize the development of new
market-rate and affordable residential uses
on smaller sites that were identified in the
recent Downtown Mixed-Use Study. The
sites are listed in Table 4B on the facing
page.

Encourage a Diverse
Mix of New Uses in
Downtown
82 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.2 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies Table 4A. Recommended Sites for Mixed-Use Development
Site Address APNs Estimated Site Size
1 1503-1505 8th Street 008-041-12 127,700 sq. ft. / 2.9 acres 2 1135-1163 O Street 008-073-11, 008-073-10,
008-073-09, 008-073-08
30,000 sq. ft. / 0.7 acres
3 1062-1092 O Street 008-072-05, 008-072-06 22,500 sq. ft. / 0.5 acres 4 1108-1126 O Street 008-074-19, 008-074-18,
008-074-04
22,500 sq. ft. / 0.5 acres
Table 4B. Recommended Sites for Residential Infill Projects Site Address APNs Estimated Site Size
5 800 O Street 008-043-01 18,750 sq. ft. / 0.43 acres
6 1031-1049 O Street 008-071-10 18,750 sq. ft. / 0.43 acres 7 1001-1019 P Street 008-053-12 18,750 sq. ft. / 0.43 acres 8 1256-1262 O Street 008-076-27, 008-076-05 15,000 sq. ft. / 0.34 acres 9 1150-1170 O Street 008-074-06 11,250 sq. ft. / 0.26 acres 10 1002-1026 O Street 008-072-01 7,500 sq. ft. / 0.17 acres 11 1001 O Street 008-071-22 3,750 sq. ft./ 0.09 acres
Figure 4.4 Examples of
community-serving uses for
downtown:

Above: Multi-Purpose Resilience
Center, Coachella
The City of Coachella is seeking
state funding to create a Resilience
Community Center for emergency
situations. This center would also
act as a hub for the community.

Below: McDermont Field House,
Lindsay
This 172,000 sf facility in Lindsay,
CA can be a model for Firebaugh.

It is a community hub with a
fitness center, sports complex,
and fun zone on two city blocks on
Sweetbriar Avenue.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 83 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.2 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth Table 4C. Priority Projects in Downtown
1A. Infill Projects: Central Downtown
Program (based on illustrative plan + lot testing on infill sites) 65 new residential units 18,000 SF new non-residential uses
Priority Infill Projects Timing1 Priority
1A.1 New small-scale infill development on smaller vacant or underutilized parcels on O Street.

Long-term Medium
1A.2 New large-scale infill development on larger vacant or underutilized parcels on O Street.

Long-term Medium
1A.3 New mixed-use buildings framing a plaza at the
intersection of 11th and O Street. Streetscape
improvements such as on-street parking and trees on 11th street between Highway 33 and P Street.

Near-term High
1A.4 New community serving facility at the corner of O and 12th Street with a small public open space.

Near-term High
1A.5 New gateway at the corner of O and 12 Street to provide a sense of arrival to downtown.

Near-term High
1A.6 New apartment building on P street with a plaza at the corner of 12th and P Street.

Long-term Medium
1B. Infill Projects: North Downtown
Program (based on illustrative plan and lot testing on infill sites) 35 new residential units 6,500 SF new non-residential uses
Priority Infill Projects Timing1 Priority
1B.1 Infrastructure improvements to Highway 33 bridge over Poso canal including gateway feature.

Near-term Medium
1B.2 Expansion of the State Foods Supermarket accommodated on the site terminating O Street.

Near-term High
1B.3 New townhouses and other small multi-family buildings on the same site as the New State Foods Supermarket, adding housing downtown.

Long-term High
1B.4 New mixed-use building on the corner of 8th and O Street to provide more housing and commercial uses downtown.

Long-term Medium

4.3 Summary of Major Downtown Projects
1 Near-term: 2025 - 2035
Long-term: 2035 - 2045
Note:

Most development
projects listed here
will occur over time,
since most parcels
are privately owned.

The City can offer
development incentives
to prioritize projects.

Please refer to Chapter
Three for additional
details.
84 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.3 Summary of Major Downtown Projects Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies O Street
HWY 33
12th Street
11th Street
P Street
Figure 4.6 North Downtown Priority Projects
Refer to Chapter Three, Section 3.4 for more information.

O Street
HWY 33
9th Street
8th Street
P Street
Figure 4.5 Central Downtown Priority Projects
Refer to Chapter Three, Section 3.4 for more information.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 85 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.3 Summary of Major Downtown Projects Table 4C. Priority Projects in Downtown

2. Connectivity + Bicycle/Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project/ Improvement Timing1 Priority
2A Highway 33 (N Street)
The following recommendations are intended as a long-term iteration of the current improvements underway by Caltrans to add Class II bike lanes on Highway 33, separated from drive lanes by a two foot buffer strip.
- Reduce the number of through lanes from two lanes to one lane between Yip Street and south of Saipan Avenue.
- Provide left turn lanes at intersections.
- Provide buffered bike lanes, parking where needed.
- Between 11th Street and 14th Street, add a second through lane southbound at 12th Street and northbound at 13th Street, then continue these lanes to the next intersection as left turn lanes.

Medium to
Long-term
High
2B Highway 33 (N Street) gateway roundabouts
- Add roundabouts on Highway 33 at Clyde Fannon Drive and Morris Kyle Drive. Use the central islands to provide gateway signs and other features.

Near-term Medium, needs
further analysis
2C Highway 33 (N Street) sidewalk gaps
- Connect all sidewalk gaps on the east side of N Street. - Construct missing sidewalks on west side.

Near-term High
2D Highway 33 (N Street) crossing improvements
Construct median refuges and rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at the following locations:
- 10th Street
- 11th Street
- 15th Street
- Midblock connecting the mobile home park to the market - Saipan Avenue
Near to
Medium-term
High, needs
further analysis
2E Roundabout on 13th Street at P Street Near-term High 2F Streetscape improvements on O Street
Construct streetscape improvements on O Street between 10th Street and 13th Street and on 10th Street, 11th Street, and 12th Street between N Street and P Street, including
- Curb extensions at intersections and midblock where feasible - Street trees, lighting, seating and shading where feasible Near-term High
Note:

Proposed connectivity
improvements
mentioned in the
Fresno County Regional
Active Transportation
Plan are not listed here
to avoid duplication.

This Study supports
those improvements
and the recommended
projects are aligned
with the Fresno County
Regional ATP projects.

Please refer to Chapter
Three for additional
details.
1 Near-term: 2025 - 2035
Long-term: 2035 - 2045
86 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.3 Summary of Major Downtown Projects Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies Note:

Proposed connectivity
improvements
mentioned in the
Fresno County Regional
Active Transportation
Plan are not listed here
to avoid duplication.

This Study supports
those improvements
and the recommended
projects are aligned
with the Fresno County
Regional ATP projects.

Please refer to Chapter
Three for additional
details.

Table 4C. Priority Projects in Downtown
2G Streetscape improvements on 9th Street
Pedestrian infrastructure improvements along 9th Street such as repaving the street and lighting.

Long-term Medium
2H Downtown bicycle lanes
Restripe the following streets to implement on-street bicycle lanes. Use painted buffers if width allows.
- Clyde Fannon Drive from Dodderer Street to Highway 33 - P Street from Clyde Fannon Drive to 16th Street
- 16th Street from P Street to O Street
- O Street from 16th Street to Saipan Avenue
- Saipan Avenue from O Street to Highway 33
- Landucci Drive from Saipan Avenue to Morris Kyle Drive - Morris Kyle Drive from Landucci Drive to Highway 33
Near to
Medium-term
High
2I San Joaquin River Trail
Construct two critical segments of the path:
- From the current southern end of the path near River lane to Birch Drive.
- From 7th Street to Maldonado Park, including the bridge over Poso Canal.

Medium-term Medium
1 Near-term: 2025 - 2035
Long-term: 2035 - 2045
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 87 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.3 Summary of Major Downtown Projects

4.4 Zoning Recommendations
Table 4E. Site Specific Zoning Recommendations
Site # Address Recommendation
7 1001-1019 P Street Rezone this site from the G district to either the C-2 or C-3 district in order to allow multi-family or mixed-use development.

Table 4D. General Zoning Recommendations
Reference Standard Recommendations
25-23.2 Permitted uses in C-2 Allow single-family attached in C-2 as a permitted use. 25-23.6 (C-2);
25-25.5 (C-3)
Maximum height in
C-2 and C-3
Allow an additional story in the C-2 and C-3 zoning districts. The current standards allow 35’ which can easily accommodate a third story.
25-19.6 Maximum density
for multi-family
development
Raise the maximum density for multi-family developments. The current standard is 1 du per 1,500 sf of lot area (29 du/ac). This maximum density may not be high enough to accommodate dense infill developments on small lots in downtown Firebaugh. 25-41.3 Maximum density
for mixed-use
development
Raise the maximum density for mixed-use developments. The current standard for residential development is 1 du per 1,500 sf of lot area (29 du/ac). This maximum density may not be high enough to accommodate dense infill developments on small lots in downtown Firebaugh.
25-19.6 Minimum lot size
for multi-family
development
Reduce the minimum lot for multi-family development in order to accommodate infill projects on smaller sites.
25-45.3 Off street parking Lower the off-street parking requirements for multi-family from 1.5 spaces per unit to 1 space per unit.

Figure 4.7 Existing zoning in the project area and
development parcels identified in the downtown market
study as potential opportunity sites
W Nees Ave
Coalinga
College
Riverside Park
San Joaquin River
9th Street
10th Street
11th Street
N Street
M Steet
O Street
P Street
Q Street
P Street
Q Street
13th Street
Ave 7 1/2
14th Street
15th Street
8th Street
7th Street
12th Street
W Nees Ave
R-1
R-1-4.25
R-1-5
R-2
R-3
TP
C-1
C-2
C-3
M-1
M-2
O
G
M-U-C
U-R
(P)
Development Parcel
88 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.4 Zoning Recommendations Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies This page left blank on purpose
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 89 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.4 Zoning Recommendations

4.5 Funding Opportunities for
Infrastructure Improvements
The following section outlines various funding sources and financing mechanisms that may be utilized to finance the public improvements that are identified in this Study.

Many of the funding sources described
below are unpredictable due to
uncertainty about the availability of
funding from various grant programs,
the level of funding that will be available,
outcomes from future negotiations with
developers, and other factors. Therefore,
the funding strategy must remain flexible
and adaptable, in order to adjust to
changes over time.

Funding for public improvements can
accrue on either a one-time basis (e.g.,
grants, payments from developers) or on
an ongoing basis (e.g., annual property
assessments). There may be a mismatch
between the timing for the availability of
funds from certain revenue sources and
when it will be necessary to pay certain
costs, so that public improvements can
be developed and ready when needed
to serve new development. Often, it is
necessary to “front load” development of
public improvements, meaning that the
improvements must be built in advance
of the development that will ultimately
benefit from them and generate the
revenues that will help to pay for them. To
address this, municipalities employ various
debt financing tools to obtain necessary
funds early in the development process,
with the debt to be paid off over time by
the development that is served.

Many of the improvements identified in the
Plan not only benefit new development
but will also benefit existing development.

The infill and redevelopment activity
anticipated in the economic development
strategy calls for an approach to funding
that is different than the typical approach
to funding public improvements in a
“greenfield” area, where new development
is essentially responsible for all of the
costs of new public improvements. It will
be necessary to identify funding sources
that do not rely exclusively on new
development, including allocating costs
between new development and existing
development to the extent feasible and
pursuing outside funding opportunities
that do not rely on new development for
revenues.

The following is a discussion regarding the
types of funding sources and financing
mechanisms that the City could potentially
use to finance new public improvements
in the downtown.

City General Fund and General
Government CIP Fund
The General Fund is the main operating
fund for the City and is the least restrictive
of all potential funding sources. The use of
General Fund monies is at the discretion of
the City Council. Major sources of revenue
for the City’s General Fund include
property taxes, sales and use tax, and
transient occupancy tax. Subject to the
need to balance many budgeting needs,
the City Council could decide to allocate
90 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.5 Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure Improvements Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies funds from the General Fund to finance
any of the desired implementation items.

Existing City Development Impact
Fees
The City of Firebaugh’s Development
Fee Program establishes the relationship
between contemplated new development,
facilities needed to serve new
development, and the estimated costs
of those improvements. The purpose of
the fees, sometimes also referred to as
AB 1600 fees, is to finance public facilities
to mitigate the impacts caused by new
development. These capital improvement
impact fees are adopted pursuant to
California Government Code Section
66000, et. seq.

The City may be able to fund some of the
downtown improvements using revenue
from the City’s existing development
impact fees. The Development Fee
Program is updated periodically to ensure
that required facilities are adequately
funded and costs are apportioned to
the various types of new development.

The updated Development Fee Program
information is used to determine the
amount of fees available for the funding of
proposed projects, and could be amended
to include public improvements identified
for the downtown study area that create
city-wide benefits.

However, impact fees can only address
the need for improvements that are
attributable to the impacts caused by the
projects paying these fees, meaning that
other funding sources will be needed to
address existing unmet needs or needs
inconsistent with the improvements that
the existing development’s impact fees are
intended to address.

Development Agreements
For discretionary projects, a Development
Agreement is a voluntary but binding
contract between a property owner
and the jurisdiction that outlines the
rules and conditions for development.

Structured negotiations between cities
and developers are often conducted to
obtain desired improvements in exchange
for development rights through the
development agreement process. To
the extent that new developments in
downtown are subject to development
agreements, the City may have
opportunities to work with developers to
include terms in development agreements
that would require the provision of certain
improvements.

The extent to which a new project can
contribute to the provision of infrastructure
depends on the project’s specific
economics, including the relationship
between development costs and the
revenues that the developer would
collect from either leasing or selling the
completed development.

Business Improvement District
or Property-Based Business
Improvement District
A Business Improvement District (BID)
is a common type of self-taxing Special
Assessment District that assesses
business and/or property owners to
fund maintenance, marketing, and
other activities, including additional
public services or improvements.

Property owners within a BID agree to
pay an additional property levy to fund
improvements or services within that
assessment district.

To establish a BID, the City must adopt
a resolution of intention. The BID is
established if the resolution of intention
is not protested by a majority of the
affected taxpayers. Once formed, the BID
is limited to those types of improvements
or activities that were specified upon
formation. A standard BID assesses the
businesses located within the district. A
property-based business improvement
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 91 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.5 Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure Improvements district (PBID) assesses the owners of
property within the district. Although
not common, BIDs and PBIDs can be
established in overlapping areas.

Revenues from a BID or PBID could
be used to guarantee issuance of a
bond that could fund more significant
improvements, such as signage and
wayfinding, streetscape improvements,
and parking and parking management
improvements. To the extent that revenue
exceeds that which is necessary to
support debt service on bond issuance,
surplus revenue could also be used
to support ongoing maintenance of
infrastructure and improvements, as
well as for assorted programming, in
downtown. Prior to forming a BID or PBID,
the City should assess the ability of the
affected parcels to support an additional
assessment without imposing undue
economic strain.

Community Facilities District
State law (Mello-Roos Community Facility
Act of 1982) enables local governments
to establish special districts in which a
special tax is levied to generate money to
pay for public improvements and services.

The district can also issue bonds that are
secured with liens against the participating
properties, repaying the bonds with annual
special tax proceeds, or the revenue can
be used to fund improvements or services
on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Mello-Roos Community Facility District
(CFD) formation may be initiated by the
City Council or by property owner petition.

Because CFD levies are considered a
special tax, district formation requires
approval of either two-thirds of the
registered voters (if there are more than 12
registered voters living in the area) or twothirds of the affected property owners (if there are 12 or fewer registered voters). As
opposed to a Special Benefit Assessment
District, a Special Tax District does not
have to allocate the burden of the levy
among property owners strictly on the
basis of proportional benefit, meaning
there is greater flexibility to structure the
levy to meet project funding needs. A
key consideration in establishing a CFD
is the degree to which the participating
properties could support an additional tax
levy without imposing undue economic
strain.

Landscaping and Lighting
Assessment District
A landscaping and lighting assessment
district (LLAD) is a type of special district
established by a local government to
finance the costs of landscaping and
lighting in public areas. Revenues are
most often used toward the installation
and maintenance of landscaping, statues,
fountains, general lighting, traffic lighting,
recreational and playground equipment,
and public restrooms.

Revenues can also be used to back
revenue bonds, which can fund acquisition
of land for parks and open space, as well
as the construction of community centers,
auditoriums, and other similar public uses.

By law, the levy associated with a LLAD
cannot be tied to the value of land or
improvements but must be established
using a “benefit formula” that allocates
benefits and costs to providing service to
each parcel. A majority vote is required to
establish a LLAD, as well as to increase the
assessment rate. Prior to forming a LLAD,
the City should assess the ability of the
affected parcels to support an additional
assessment without imposing undue
economic strain.

Enhanced Infrastructure Financing
Districts (EIFDs)
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing
Districts (EIFDs) are a funding mechanism
that was signed into law to serve as a
post-redevelopment tool in 2014. The
92 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.5 Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure Improvements Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies purpose of EIFDs is to finance a wide
array of infrastructure projects with
“community-wide significance,” from parks
and brownfield remediation to transit
improvements and affordable housing.

An EIFD can be created by a city, county,
or joint powers authority to fund specific
infrastructure and economic development
projects. EIFDs can also leverage
multiple funding streams to achieve
these goals — including tax increment,
assessment revenues, user fees, and
other sources such as state and federal
grants. An EIFD can be established without
voter approval and does not require an
affordable housing set-aside. EIFDs may
not issue debt without a 55 percent vote
of the District’s registered voters, nor
can revenues be used to fund ongoing
maintenance and operations.

An important consideration in the
formation of an EIFD is how much revenue
could be generated, based on the portion
of the property tax increment that the City
controls, and how much of that increment
could be dedicated to funding project area
improvements versus the amount that
is needed to fund increases in ongoing
General Fund operations and maintenance
costs for various City services that the
downtown area will also need.

Grants
Grants are available from a variety of
public agencies and private foundations.

Because there is uncertainty about
the availability of funding from various
grant programs, including future grant
programs which are not known at this
time, the level of funding that will be
available from grants is unpredictable.

A key role for the City will be to monitor
and pursue grant opportunities for study
area improvements, including grants
addressing storefront and streetscape
improvements, pedestrian/bicycle/
micromobility transportation, infrastructure
improvements, and sustainable/livable
communities.

Potential sources of grant funding are
described below. It should be noted that
this list of funding opportunities should
not be considered exhaustive and may be
subject to change over time.
■ Affordable Housing and Sustainable
Communities (AHSC) Program.

The California Strategic Growth Council
administers the Affordable Housing
and Sustainable Communities (AHSC)
program to provide affordable housing
and transportation infrastructure funding
for transit-oriented development
and related infrastructure projects
that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.

Eligible projects may include affordable
housing developments; active
transportation improvements, such
as sidewalks, paths, and bike lanes;
transportation-related amenities, such
as bus shelters, benches, or shade trees;
and other programs that demonstrate
improvements to connectivity and
accessibility of jobs and housing,
increase options for mobility, reduce
air pollution, and encourage infill
development.
■ Active Transportation Program (ATP).

The Caltrans Active Transportation
Program (ATP) consolidates funding
from various transportation programs
at both the state and federal level,
including the federal Transportation
Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle
Transportation Account (BTA), and Safe
Routes to School program. The purpose
of the ATP is to encourage and increase
use of active modes of transportation,
including walking and biking, as well as
the safety and mobility of non-motorized
users.

Eligible projects may include
Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 93 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.5 Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure Improvements infrastructure projects, such as capital
improvements; non-infrastructure
projects, such as education,
encouragement, and enforcement
activities; combination projects, such
as those that combine infrastructure
and non-infrastructure projects;
and transportation plans located in
disadvantaged communities, such as
community-wide bicycle, pedestrian,
safe routes to school, or other active
transportation plans.
■ Federal-Aid Highway Programs.

Caltrans receives federal funds for
several major highway grant programs
that provide funding for local
transportation improvements and other
related projects:
• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Improvement Program (CMAQ).

The CMAQ program provides funding
for projects and programs that reduce
emissions and improve air quality to
help meet the requirements of the
Clean Air Act (CAA). Examples of eligible
projects include electric vehicles and
charging stations, transit improvements,
bicycle and pedestrian facilities, shared
micromobility projects, and travel
demand management programs
• Surface Transportation Block Grant
Program (STBG). The STBG program
is a flexible program that may be
used for many types of projects and
activities, including planning, operational
improvements, recreational trails,
bridge and tunnel projects, pedestrian
and bicycle infrastructure, wetlands
mitigation, and transit capital projects
• Promoting Resilient Operations for
Transformative, Efficient, and Cost‐
Saving Transportation (PROTECT)
Formula Program. The PROTECT
Formula program was established to
provide funding for projects that seek
to strengthen surface transportation’s
resiliency to natural hazards, including
climate change, sea level rise, flooding,
extreme weather events, and other
natural disasters. Eligible projects
include planning activities, resilience
improvements, community resilience
and evacuation route activities, and
at-risk coastal infrastructure.
• Highway Safety Improvement
Program (HSIP). The HSIP program
was established to fund roadway
safety improvements that significantly
reduce traffic fatalities and serious
injuries on public roads. Examples of
eligible projects include pedestrian
crossing enhancements, intersection
improvements, roundabouts,
guardrail upgrades, and bike safety
improvements. To be eligible for HSIP
funds, an agency must prepare a
Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) or
an equivalent document to analyze
roadway safety issues in the community
and identify implementation strategies
and projects to address the needs and
problems identified in the LRSP.
■ Safe Streets and Roads for All
(SS4A) Grant Program. The Safe
Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant
Program provides funding for two
types of grants to advance roadway
safety in local communities: planning
and demonstration grants and
implementation grants. Planning and
demonstration grants provide funding
to support the development of a
LRSP or Comprehensive Safety Action
Plan. Implementation grants provide
funding to carry out the strategies and/
or projects identified in the LRSP or
Action Plan. Eligible implementation
grant projects include intersection
improvements, education initiatives,
safety technologies and strategies,
speed management strategies,
pedestrian safety enhancements,
and Complete Streets planning and
implementation improvements. A local
match of no less than 20 percent of the
94 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study Final Report — January 2025

4.5 Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure Improvements Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies total project cost is required for all SS4A
grant funds.
■ Community Development Block
Grant. The Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) program provides
annual grants on a formula basis to
states, cities, and counties. Fresno
County is the Urban County entitlement
participating jurisdiction that receives
CDBG funding under the entitlement
program administered by the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD).

The County’s Urban County Entitlement
Program currently includes eight
smaller partner cities, including Fowler,
Kerman, Kingsburg, Mendota, Orange
Cove, Reedley, Sanger, and Selma.

Although the City of Firebaugh has
elected not to participate in the County
consortium, the City may apply for
CDBG funds through the state CDBG
program which is administered by the
California Department of Housing and
Community Development. CDBG funds
can be used to support a wide array
of public services and infrastructure
improvements in the study area, as long
as they provide benefits to low- and
moderate-income persons, prevent
or eliminate slums or blight, or help to
remediate urgent threats to the health
or welfare of the community for which
other funds are not available.

Low-Interest Infrastructure Loan
Programs
The City could consider applying for
funds from a variety of low-interest
loan programs that provide funding for
infrastructure projects. Potential sources
of low-interest loan funding are described
below. It should be noted that this list
of funding opportunities should not be
considered exhaustive and may be subject
to change over time.
■ Infrastructure State Revolving
Loan Fund (ISRF). The California
Infrastructure and Economic
Development Bank (I-Bank) manages
the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund
(ISRF) program to provide loans to
public agencies and non-profits for a
wide variety of public infrastructure and
economic expansion projects. Eligible
project categories include rehabilitation
of city streets, rehabilitation and/or
replacement of water and wastewater
treatment facilities; new parks and
recreational facilities; flood control
measures; educational, cultural, and
social facilities; goods movement related
infrastructure; and expanded public
transit.
■ Clean Water State Revolving Fund
(CWSRF). The Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF), similar to the
DWSRF, provides low-cost financing
to protect California’s waters from
pollution. CWRF provides below-market
interest rates, 30-year financing, loan
forgiveness, and is compatible with
other funding sources. A wide range
of projects, from treatment works to
stormwater management to water
conservation, are eligible.
■ U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Rural Community Facilities
Programs. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) administers loan,
grant, and loan guarantee programs to
support essential community facilities
and infrastructure in rural communities
such as Firebaugh. Examples of
community facilities include health
care facilities, public facilities, street
improvements, educational facilities,
public safety services, and community
support services such as child care
centers, community centers, or
fairgrounds. Local food systems such
as community gardens, food pantries,
community kitchens, food banks, etc.
are also eligible for funding.

Final Report — January 2025 City of Firebaugh Community Connectivity and Downtown Revitalization Study 95 Chapter 4 — Implementation Strategies 4.5 Funding Opportunities for Infrastructure Improvements

TO: Mayor Freddy Valdez and Council Members
FROM: Benjamin Gallegos, City Manager
DATE: February 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Final Map and a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with Habitat for Humanity Fresno Inc., for Development of Tract 6477
RECOMMENDATION:

The council receives public comment & approve Resolution No. 25.03.

HISTORY:

The City of Firebaugh approved the tentative map for Tract 6477 on December 4, 2023, via Resolution 23-49. This approval came with conditions, notably the construction of streets, parking, and public improvements. At this time Habitat for Humanity Fresno, Inc would like to enter into an agreement with the City of Firebaugh to complete tract 6477 and subdivision improvements.

REFERENCE MATERIALS ATTACHED:

Resolution No. 25-03 – Final Map and a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with Habitat for Humanity Fresno, Inc. for Development of Tract 6477.

RESOLUTION NO. 25-03

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH

APPROVING THE FINAL MAP AND A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FRESNO, INC. FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF TRACT 6477
WHEREAS, Tentative Tract 6477 was approved by the City Council of the City of Firebaugh on December 4, 2023 through passage of Resolution 23-49; and WHEREAS, the conditions imposed within the tentative subdivision map for Tract 6477, approved by the City Council of the City of the City of Firebaugh on December 4, 2023 through passage of Resolution 23-49 require construction of certain street, parking areas, and public improvements within the boundaries of said subdivision map; WHEREAS, the City has reviewed the final submittals for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FRESNO, INC. (“Subdivider”), including the proposed Final Map, and has determined that the required public improvements are yet to be completed and the City Engineer has reviewed the Final Map as to form for the subdivision of land and required dedications; and WHEREAS, the Subdivider wishes to enter into an Agreement for the Construction of Improvements for the San Joaquin Villas subdivision (“Agreement”) and record the Final Map.

The Agreement will require the Subdivider to complete the improvements within a timely manner; and the improvements will be subject to a performance security and a payment security; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement (attached as Exhibit “A”) has been prepared to document the conditions of approval, requirement improvements, and security for the development of Tract 6477.

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Firebaugh that:

1. The Agreement for the Construction of Improvements for the San Joaquin Villas subdivision, Tract 6477, is hereby approved, and the City Manager is authorized to sign the agreement and any required documents on behalf of the City. The Agreement shall be recoded upon execution by both the City and Subdivider.

2. The Final Map for Tract 6477 is hereby approved and shall be recorded upon the execution of the Agreement for the Construction of Improvements for the San Joaquin Villas subdivision by both the City and Subdivider.

3. The City of Firebaugh will accept all public improvements for Tract 6477 once completed to the satisfaction of the City of Firebaugh.

The foregoing resolution was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Firebaugh held on the 18th day of February 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

APPROVED: ATTEST:

Freddy Valdez, Mayor Rita Lozano, Deputy City Clerk
1 RECORDING REQUESTED BY AND
WHEN RECORDED RETURN TO:
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE FOR RECORDER’S USE
Fee Waived Per Section 27383 & 27388.1 (a)(2)(0) of the Government Code

AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

FOR THE SAN JOAQUIN VILLAS SUBDIVISION
This Agreement for the Construction of Improvements for the San Joaquin Villas Subdivision (“Agreement”) is made and entered into this __ day of February, 2025, by and between the CITY OF FIREBAUGH, a municipal corporation of the State of California, ("City"); and HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FRESNO, INC., a California public benefits corporation ("Subdivider"), with City sometimes referred to herein individually as a “party” and collectively with Subdivider, as the “parties”, with reference to the following facts and recitals:

RECITALS
WHEREAS, Subdivider is subdividing that certain tract of land located on the east side of State Highway 33, approximately 1,780 feet north of Clyde Fannon Road knows as the San Joaquin Villas, recorded on _______________, in Book ____, Pages ___ through _____, as Document Number _______ in the Fresno County Records, situated in the City of Firebaugh, County of Fresno, State of California, such subdivision referred to as the San Joaquin Villas Subdivision (“Subdivision”); and
WHEREAS, a final map for said Subdivision (Tract 6477) has been filed with the City Clerk of the City of Firebaugh for presentation to the City Council for its approval, which map is hereby referred to herein and by said reference incorporated herein; and WHEREAS, the conditions imposed within the tentative subdivision map for San Joaquin Villas Subdivision, approved on December 4, 2023 by the Firebaugh City Council, require the Subdivider to construct certain street, parking areas, and public improvements within the boundaries of said final map; and
WHEREAS, the conditions imposed on the tentative map for San Joaquin Villas, approved on December 4, 2023 by the Firebaugh City Council remain in full force and effect; and WHEREAS, Subdivider has requested approval of said final subdivision map, prior to the construction and completion of the improvements required pursuant to the conditions of approval; 2 all in accordance with and as required by the plans and specifications for all or any part of said improvements in and within the limits of said Subdivision; and WHEREAS, the Firebaugh City Council’s approval of said final subdivision map and acceptance of the dedications therein offered are subject to and on the condition precedent that Subdivider first enter into and execute this agreement with the City, and provide the City with such bonds, improvement securities, monies and all other things as required herein and/or as required by the City.

NOW, THEREFORE, in order to ensure satisfactory performance by Subdivider of Subdivider's obligations under Section 57 of Chapter 25 of the Firebaugh Municipal Code and the Subdivision Map Act of the State of California relating to regulations and standards for the subdivision of lands in the City and for the preparation and presentation of subdivision maps thereof, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

1. Construction of Subdivision Improvements. Subdivider agrees to cause all of the improvements to be made and constructed in the Subdivision to fully comply with the requirements of the City of Firebaugh Municipal Code and the Subdivision Map Act of the State of California according to the Construction (Improvement) Plans for Tract 6477 (“Work”) approved by the City Engineer of City (“City Engineer”). Subdivider agrees to pay for any materials, provisions, provender or other supplies used in, upon, for or about the performance of the Work, including without limitation, the costs identified in the Engineer’s Cost Estimate attached hereto and made a part hereof and identified as Exhibit “A” to this Agreement. Subdivider agrees to the amount thereof and agrees to pay, when due, all amounts identified therein, including without limitation, all contingency fees identified therein.

Subdivider agrees to complete the Work on or before twenty-four (24) months from the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that the City Manager of City (“City Manager”) is hereby authorized to extend the time within which the Work shall be completed for additional periods not to exceed six (6) months each, or a maximum of eighteen (18) months, in his or her sole discretion, if the City Manager is of the opinion that granting the extension will not be detrimental to the public welfare. No such extensions shall be made except upon the basis of a written application made by Subdivider, stating fully the grounds of the application and the facts relied upon for such an extension.

The Work is scoped and described in scoped and described in the Engineer’s Cost Estimate, Exhibit A attached hereto. Said Work includes: the demolition and replacement of gutters, driveway and street improvements, construction of parking areas on Outlots A, F and G, and all other work, improvements or construction required in the above referenced plans and specifications and all appurtenances reasonably necessary to complete the aforementioned improvements.

Any Work required under this Agreement and not mentioned in the abovementioned specifications shall be constructed in accordance with "current" Standard Specifications of the City, the San Joaquin Unified Air Pollution Control District and those of other agencies identified in the Tentative Subdivision Map Conditions of Approval insofar as they apply. 3 2. Security.
a. Subdivider shall file with this Agreement two improvement securities with comply with California Government Code section 66499, et seq. to guarantee the faithful performance of this Agreement, including without limitation, the construction of the Work. Each security shall be in the amount of 100% of the total estimated cost of the Work as determined by the City Engineer which amount is the sum of Seventy-Three Thousand Three Hundred Thirteen and 87/100 Dollars ($73,313.87). One improvement security shall secure faithful performance of this Agreement as required by California Government Code section 66499.3(a) (the “faithful performance” security). The second improvement security shall secure faithful performance of this Agreement as required by California Government Code section 66499.3(b), securing the obligations in Title 1 of California Civil Code (commencing with § 8000) of Part 6 of Division 4 for payment to the contractor, or the contractor’s subcontracts, and to persons renting equipment or furnishing labor or materials to them for the Work (the “payment security”). b. Subdivider shall also file with this Agreement a “guarantee and warranty security” in the amount of 10% of the City Engineer’s estimated cost of the Work to guarantee and warrant the Work for a period of one (1) year following its completion and acceptance against any defective work or labor done, or defective materials furnished, as required by California Government Code section 66499(a)(5).
c. Any bonds submitted as security pursuant to this section shall be executed by a surety company authorized to transact a surety business in the State of California. All required securities must be in a form approved by the City Attorney of City.

3. Indemnity and Hold Harmless. Subdivider shall indemnify and hold harmless City and all officials, officers, agents, representatives and employees thereof from any and all loss, damage, claims, damages or liability of any whatsoever kind or character, in any way arising out of or in any way resulting from Subdivider, Subdivider’s independent contractors, employees, representatives, and agents performance or nonperformance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, or Subdivider's negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct in the performance of work hereunder, or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this Agreement, except such loss or damage caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City.

Subdivider shall, at his or her own cost and expense, defend any and all actions, suits, or legal proceedings that may be brought or instituted against City, its officials, officers, agents, representatives and employees, on any claim or demand, of any nature whatsoever, and pay or satisfy any judgment that may be rendered against City, its officials, officers, agents, representatives and employees, in any such action, suit or legal proceedings, resulting from Subdivider or Subdivider’s independent contractors, employees, representatives, agents, and invitees’ performance or nonperformance of their duties and obligations under this Agreement, or from the negligent act or omission of themselves, their agents, contractors, servants, or employees or of City, save and except the sole active negligence of City. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions are intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and will survive termination of this Agreement. 4 4. Insurance. Without limiting Subdivider's indemnification of City, and prior to release of said final Subdivision map and as a condition precedent of the recordation thereof, Subdivider shall obtain, provide, and continuously maintain at its own expense during the term of the Agreement, insurance policies as outlined in this Paragraph 4. a. Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance. Subdivider shall maintain limits no less than:
i. Commercial General Liability (including operations, products and completed operations) $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage, including without limitation, blanket contractual liability.

Coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Office (ISO) Commercial General Liability coverage form CG 00 01. General liability policies shall be endorsed using ISO forms CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 to provide that the City and its officers, officials, employees and agents shall be additional insureds under such policies.
ii. Worker's Compensation as required by the State of California and $1,000,000 Employer's Liability per accident for bodily injury or disease. Contractor shall submit to the City, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement in favor of the City, it's officers, agents, employees, and volunteers. b. Maintenance of Coverage. Subdivider shall procure and maintain, for the duration of this Agreement, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Work hereunder by Subdivider, its contractor, agents, employees, subcontractors or subconsultants. c. Proof of Insurance. Subdivider shall provide to the City certificates of insurance and endorsements, as required herein, as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein, along with a waiver of subrogation endorsement for workers' compensation. Insurance certificates and endorsements must be approved by the City prior to commencement of performance. Current evidence of insurance shall be kept on file with the City at all times during the term of this Agreement. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time. d. Waiver of Subrogation. All insurance coverage maintained or procured pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed to waive subrogation against the City, its elected or appointed officers, agents, officials, and employees, or shall specifically allow Subdivider, its contractor, subcontractor(s), or agents providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications, to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Subdivider hereby waives its own right of recovery against the City for insured claims.
e. Primary Insurance. For any claims related to this Agreement, Subdivider’s insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City and its officials, officers, agents, representatives and employees. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City and/or its officials, officers, agents, representatives and employees shall be in excess of Subdivider’s insurance and shall be non-contributory. Subdivider’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.
5 f. Cancellation. Such insurance policies shall specifically provide that the City shall receive at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of any cancellation of such policy or policies.

Any such notice shall be sent to the attention of the City Engineer.

5. Warranty.
a. Subdivider guarantees and warrants the public improvements that constitute the Work required by this Agreement; and agrees to remedy any defects in the improvements or the Work arising from faulty or defective materials or construction of the improvements or the Work occurring within twelve (12) months after their acceptance by City.

Subdivider agrees to permit inspection of all improvements in the Subdivision by the Public Works Director of City for such period, and to reimburse City for the cost of such inspections. b. If, within the twelve (12) month warranty period, the Work or any part of the Work done, furnished, installed, or constructed fails to fulfill any of the requirements of this Agreement or the improvement plans and specifications, Subdivider shall, without delay or cost to City, repair, replace or reconstruct any defective or otherwise unsatisfactory part or parts of the Work. City may, at its sole option, perform such repair or replacement itself if Subdivider has failed to commence such repair within twenty (20) days after City has mailed written notice of default to Subdivider and to Subdivider’s Surety. In such event, Subdivider agrees to pay the cost of such repair and replacement by City and City may at its option recover such cost as a lien against the Subdivision should the cost exceed the inspection fee deposited pursuant to Paragraph 2 of this Agreement.
c. Should City determine that the public safety requires repairs or replacements to be made before Subdivider can be notified, City may, in its sole discretion, make the necessary repairs or replacement or perform the necessary work. Subdivider shall pay to City the cost of such repairs and City may at its option recover such cost as a lien against the Subdivision.

6. Inspection Fees and Costs. The City Engineer of City shall schedule a preliminary final inspection to inspect all of the improvements made in the Subdivision to see that they comply with City’s subdivision regulations and specifications. A deficiency list shall be compiled and submitted to Subdivider for correction. Upon completion of all corrections outlined by the deficiency list, Subdivider shall certify in writing that all corrections have been completed and request a final inspection. Upon finding that all items have been corrected, the Subdivision shall be placed on the Firebaugh City Council’s agenda for acceptance. The completion of corrections indicated by the deficiency list shall not relieve Subdivider from the responsibility of correcting any deficiency not shown on the list that may be subsequently discovered during applicable warranty periods. Subdivider shall deposit the estimated inspection fee and reimburse City for the cost of such inspections in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Firebaugh City Council or as amended which in place at the time the Final Map was initiated by Subdivider. 6 7. Permits and Compliance. Should Subdivider be required to perform any work within public rights-of-way or easements, which are located beyond the Subdivision limits, Subdivider shall satisfy any and all requirements, other than the payment of fees, which would be necessary to obtain an encroachment permit. Subdivider shall further make arrangements for the relocation of all overhead and underground public utility facilities that interfere with the construction of the Work. Subdivider shall be responsible for the full cost of relocating such facilities. Subdivider shall repair any damage to public streets or other public property or improvement which results from, or is incidental to, the construction of the Work, or in lieu of making such repairs, Subdivider shall pay to City the full cost of such repairs.

8. Dust Control. Adequate dust control shall be maintained by Subdivider on all streets within the Subdivision on which work is required to be done under this Agreement from the time Work is commenced until the paving of the streets is completed. As used in this Agreement, “Adequate dust control” shall mean the sprinkling of the streets with water or the laying of a dustcoat of oil thereon with sufficient frequency to prevent the scattering of dust by wind or the activity of vehicles and equipment onto any street area or private property adjacent to the Subdivision. Whenever, in the opinion of the City Engineer, adequate dust control is not being maintained on any street(s), the City Engineer shall give notice to Subdivider to comply with the provisions of this paragraph forthwith. Such notice may be personally served upon Subdivider or upon any person who has signed this agreement on behalf of Subdivider or, at the election of the City Engineer, such notice may be mailed to Subdivider at the address stated in Section 21 of this Agreement. If, within twenty-four (24) hours after such personal service of such notice or within forty-eight (48) hours after the mailing thereof as herein provided, Subdivider shall not have commenced to maintain adequate dust control or shall at any time thereafter fail to maintain adequate dust control, the City Engineer may, without further notice of any kind, cause any such street or streets to be sprinkled or oiled, as deemed advisable, to eliminate the scattering of dust, by equipment and personnel of City or by contract as the City Engineer shall determine. Subdivider shall pay to City forthwith, upon receipt of billing therefore, the entire cost to the City of such sprinkling or oiling.

9. Notice Regarding Construction. Subdivider shall notify the Public Works Director of City in writing three (3) days before the commencement of construction of the Work.

10. Subdivider’s Obligation to Warn Public During Construction. Until final acceptance of the Work, Subdivider shall give good and adequate warning to the public of each and every dangerous condition that may exist in the Work, and will take all reasonable actions to protect the public from any such dangerous conditions. Such warning may include, but is not limited to, barricades and warning signs to protect and warn the public of construction hazards.

11. Reimbursements/Fairshare Contributions due from Subdivider. The Subdivider hereby agrees to the following reimbursements or fair share contributions to be paid before approval of the final map for Subdivision as noted herein below:
7 a. No Reimbursements/Fairshare Contributions have been identified for this Subdivision.

12. Reimbursements to be Provided to Subdivider. In consideration of public improvements constructed through plans prepared by Land Design Consulting for Tract 6477, the City agrees to reimburse the Subdivider reasonable costs for construction of the following public improvements: ___________.

13. Terms of Reimbursements to be Provided to Subdivider. The following terms shall apply to any and all reimbursements to be provided to Subdivider. ____________.

City does not guarantee reimbursement, where reimbursements are made from impact fees or connection fees as those fees are collected. The City shall have no responsibility for the delivery of the funds collected hereunder to Subdivider and only agrees to hold said funds collected and to make payment as directed by Subdivider upon contact by City. City will contact Subdivider within ninety (90) days of collection of funds at the address as specified in this agreement or as may thereafter be provided in writing to the City Clerk of the City.

14. Actions. Any action by any party to this Agreement, or any action concerning a security furnished pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Agreement, shall be brought in the appropriate court of competent jurisdiction within the County of Fresno, State of California, notwithstanding any other provision of law that may provide that such action may be brought in some other location.

15. Release of Remaining Improvement Security - Warranty. At the conclusion of the construction of the Work, and upon written acceptance of it by City, the Public Works Director shall authorize the release of the faithful performance security upon the furnishing of the warranty security required by Paragraph 2(b).

16. Release of Payment Security. Forty-five (45) days after a notice of completion is filed with respect to the Work, the Public Works Director for the City may authorize the release of the payment security, in the event that no claims have been filed against the security. In the event that claims or actions are filed against the security, the Public Works Director may release so much of such security as is in excess of the total of the claims made against it, plus a reasonable amount of costs and attorney’s fees.

17. Monuments. Subdivider agrees to install, on or before [date of deadline], such survey monuments as may be required by the Public Works Director of City. Upon the installation of such monuments, and their acceptance by the Public Works Director, the monument security shall be released.

18. Failure of Performance. In addition to any other remedies provided in this Agreement or by law, in the event Subdivider fails to perform one or more of the covenants or conditions of this Agreement, City shall have recourse to the security given to guarantee the 8 performance of such acts. City may do, or cause to be done, those acts required of Subdivider, and shall have recourse against so much of the security as is necessary to discharge the responsibility of Subdivider. In the event City seeks recourse against a security, City shall also have recourse against Subdivider for any and all amounts necessary to complete the obligations of Subdivider in the event the security is insufficient to pay such amounts. All administrative costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to California Government Code section 66499.4 incurred by the City, in addition to the costs of the improvements, shall be a proper charge against the security and Subdivider.

19. Attorney’s Fees. In the event it becomes necessary for either party to bring an action with respect to enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, or the security therefor, the prevailing party in such action shall be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees, as may be determined by the court.

20. Integration, Amendments and Choice of Law. This Agreement is an integrated agreement. It supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by the parties. The law governing this Agreement is the law of the State of California.

21. Notices. Any notices sent to the parties relating to this Agreement shall be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid or delivered to the following addresses:
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

23. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.

24. Successors and Assigns. The covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. This Agreement shall not be assignable by Subdivider without the prior express written consent of City.

City of Firebaugh
City Manager
1133 “P” Street
Firebaugh, CA. 93622
Habitat for Humanity – Fresno
Attn: Ashley Hedmann
4991 East McKinley Avenue, Suite 123
Fresno, CA 93727

22. Recitals and Exhibits. The recitals set forth herein above and the exhibit attached 9 25. Further Assurances. The parties agree to cooperate fully in carrying out the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the execution of such documents or taking further action that may be necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

26. Sole and Only Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the matters set forth herein and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties regarding such matters. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or in writing, have been made by any party or anyone acting on behalf of any party which are not embodied in this Agreement, and no other agreement, statement or promises shall be valid or binding.
[Signatures on next page.]

10 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Firebaugh, a municipal corporation, has authorized the execution of this Agreement in duplicate by its City Manager and attestation by its City Clerk under authority of Resolution No. ______, adopted by the Council of the City of Firebaugh on ___________ and the Subdivider has caused this Agreement to be executed.

CITY

CITY OF FIREBAUGH
a municipal corporation
By: ________________________
Ben Gallegos
Its: City Manager
ATTESTED:

By: _______________________
Rita Lozano
Its: City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By: _______________________
Christina D. Smith
Its: City Attorney

SUBDIVIDER
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FRESNO COUNTY, INC.
a California corporation
By: __________________________________
Ashley Hedemann
Its: Chief Executive Officer
[NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ON FOLLOWING PAGES.]
Exhibit A
Exhibit A
Engineer’s Cost Estimate
Tract 6477
I. ON-SITE & OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS
A. Site Preparation & Grading
Description Quantity Units Unit Cost Total
1 Mobilization 1 L.S. $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00
2 Abandon Water Service 2 Each $ 400.00 $ 800.00
3 Curb & Gutter Demolition 209 L.F. 6.00 $ 1,254.00 $
4 Sawcut and Haul off 89 L.F. 2.86 $ 254.54 $
5 Earthwork 1 L.S. 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $
SUB TOTAL 11,308.54 $
II. ROADWAY/STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Description Quantity Units Unit Cost Total
1 6" Standard Curb 121 L.F. 24.00 $ 2,904.00 $
2 Concrete Valley Gutter 43 L.F. 35.00 $ 1,505.00 $
3 Concrete Driveways 7 Each 850.00 $ 5,950.00 $
4 Relocate existing streetlight 1 L.S. 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ SUB TOTAL 11,859.00 $
III. PARKING AREA (OUTLOTS A,F&G)
1 2.5" A.C. Pavement (8,794 sf) 133 Tons 90.85 $ 12,083.05 $ 2 9" Aggregate Base Rock (8,794 sf) 462 Tons 35.75 $ 16,516.50 $ 3 12" Curb 454 L.F. 14.15 $ 6,424.10 $
4 Concrete Driveways 4 Each 900.00 $ 3,600.00 $
5 Install Concrete wheel stop 12 Each 80.00 $ 960.00 $
6 Striping and signage 1 L.S. 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $
SUB TOTAL 40,583.65 $
CONTINGENCY 15% $ 9,562.68
TOTAL IMPROVEMENTS 73,313.87 $

LandDesign Consulting
1307 N Applegate Ave
Fresno, CA 93737
Cell: 559.920.0939
ENGINEER'S COST ESTIMATE 02/05/2025
Tract 6477 - Habitat For Humanity, Firebaugh, CA
Printed: 2/6/2025; LandDesign Consulting Page 1 of 1